What Does the Fire Damage Cleanup and Restoration Process Look Like?

10/6/2022 (Permalink)

This local business owner was needing assistance after they suffered a fire in their commercial property.

What Does the Fire Damage Cleanup and Restoration Process Look Like?

The first steps of a fire damage restoration job don't always happen at the scene. If there's been a serious fire, firefighters and emergency medical personnel will be there first. They'll follow strict protocols for removing victims from the building and ensuring that everyone is safe. After that's done, it's time for the cleanup team to go in and start working on the damage caused by smoke, soot, and water—and sometimes even mold growth. It's a complex process that can take several days or weeks to complete; here are some details about what happens during each step along the way.

First Steps at the Scene

The first steps in the fire damage cleanup and restoration process begin at the scene of the fire. Firefighters are sent to put out any flames and determine whether or not it is safe for cleanup to begin. If it is, then cleanup must happen as soon as possible because water can cause more damage if left on materials for too long.

Once firefighters have determined that it’s safe to enter a damaged home or business, they will act quickly so that mold doesn’t start growing within 24 hours of its last use (when mold begins growing). The next step in this process involves assessing what exactly needs cleaning up and which materials need replacing after being damaged by water or smoke during a fire.

Smoke and Soot Removal

After the fire has been extinguished and contained, it's time to remove any smoke and soot from the property. This is done using specialized equipment that fans out airflow to fluff away debris particles, leaving a clean surface behind. The next step is removing any damaged materials, debris from the property, and any hazardous materials from your home or office space. After this process is complete, we can begin cleaning up the smoke odor with biodegradable deodorizers designed specifically for this purpose.

Fire Damage Restoration

Fire damage restoration is a complex process that involves removing smoke and soot from the structure, cleaning and sanitizing the structure, and drying it. It may also involve the reconstruction of the structure.

If you want to learn more about fire damage restoration or require assistance with this process, call our SERVPRO of Shoreline/Woodinville team today!

Water damage restoration

Water damage restoration is a complex process that involves removing water from the damaged area and drying it out. Once the water has been removed, you need to secure your home from further damage by keeping it warm and dry.

To restore your belongings, there are some steps you can take:

• Drying out: This involves putting free-standing fans in different parts of your house for air circulation, using dehumidifiers to remove extra moisture from the air, and opening windows or doors for ventilation.
• Sanitizing: You should also sanitize certain areas of your home with bleach or other disinfectants; this is especially important after flooding because bacteria from sewage could cause serious illnesses if left untreated.

Reconstruction Services

Once you’ve decided to hire the services of a professional restoration company, your next step is to decide which damage repair services are right for your home. To help with this decision, we’ve broken down the fire damage cleanup and restoration process into three phases:

• Removal of damaged materials
• Repairing and replacing damaged items
• Repairing structural damage

We hope this article has given you a better understanding of the fire damage cleanup and restoration process. If you have any questions or concerns, please feel free to contact us. We’re happy to help! If your home or business in Shoreline, WA, suffers from a fire loss, don’t hesitate and give our SERVPRO team a call today!

Beware of These 3 Common Sewage Issues in Commercial Buildings

8/25/2022 (Permalink)

Overflowing toilet

Three Common Sewage Problems

Maintaining a functioning plumbing and drainage system is an important part of owning a commercial property in Shoreline, WA. Sewage mishaps such as pipe breaks or a blocked sewer can cause significant building damage, not to mention cost business owners thousands of dollars in lost revenue if the damage necessitates a building closure. In order to stay ahead of a serious issue, every commercial building owner should be aware of these three commonly occurring sewage problems.

1. Sewer Pipe Blockage

A blocked sewer happens when an obstruction within a pipe inhibits sewage from properly draining. Things such as tree roots growing in the sewer line or flushing foreign objects including grease, diapers or sanitary products down the drain can cause obstructions. When the blockage is not treated immediately, a sewage backup may occur. If your drains are slow-flowing or making gurgling noises, this could be a key sign that your sewer line is blocked.

2. Deteriorating Sewer Lines

Aging sewer lines become damaged over time, often leading to leaks and pipe breaks. Rusted or cracked sewer lines may require reconstruction or replacement. One of the best ways to know if your sewer pipes are in need of repair is to hire experts to inspect the sewer lines with a camera.

3. Overflowing Toilets

Toilets in commercial buildings typically get a lot of use each day. This increases the likelihood that commercial property owners will have to deal with a toilet overflow at some point. Never attempt to clean the overflow without taking safety precautions. Ingesting potentially contaminated water poses a dangerous health risk. A professional cleanup and restoration team can safely handle the emergency with proper knowledge and equipment.

Whether your commercial property in Shoreline, WA is experiencing hazardous flooding, or you just notice the warning signs of a blocked sewer, commercial building restoration specialists are available year-round to provide emergency services and regular maintenance to your commercial building.

Types of Electronic Damage That a Fire May Cause

8/17/2022 (Permalink)

A short circuit occurs as a result of the magnetic charge that is found in smoke

Here Are Some Common Types Of Electronic Damage

A fire in your Lake Forest Park, WA, business can cause damage to many areas of your commercial building. Among the various sources of harm, you may come across signs of damage to your electronic devices. Whether you’re dealing with damaged computers or tablets, it’s crucial to have them restored as soon as possible. Here are some common types of electronic damage that may result from an electrical fire.

Black Film

If you notice a black film on any of your electronics, this may indicate that they have been damaged by smoke. While you might notice this film on a device’s exterior, it may also be hidden on the interior parts of the object. A black film can cause a device to:

• Overheat
• Break down prematurely
• Have a shorter lifespan
  
  

To avoid dealing with these consequences, be sure to have the film removed immediately. When your electronics fail, it can cause you to lose money by paying for repairs and replacements.

Short-Circuiting

Devices that are damaged as a result of an electrical fire may also short-circuit. This occurs as a result of the magnetic charge that is found in smoke. In order to prevent your electronics from short-circuiting, it is vital to have the smoke removed from them as soon as you can.

Early Deterioration

Overheating isn’t the only form of damage that shortens a device’s lifespan. Early deterioration may also take place as a result of the acidic nature of soot. If any soot is left behind on your electronics after a fire, be aware of the effects of acidity.

If you have any electronics that have been harmed by smoke damage, be sure to call emergency restoration services immediately to bring them back to life. Trusting professionals to perform a computer cleanup or other restorative service can ensure that your devices receive the proper treatment that they need in the aftermath of an electrical fire.

Why Should I Install a Temporary Fence After a Commercial Fire?

5/30/2022 (Permalink)

Installing a temporary security fence around your commercial building post-fire can protect your business.

Why Do You Need To Fence Your Property After a Fire?

Sustaining damage from a major fire at your business in Kenmore, WA can cause many problems other than those related directly to the flames. The time between extinguishing the conflagration and completing the restoration process can be precarious because you may not be on the property for most of it. However, you must ensure that your building and contents are protected. Although not 100%, a security fence can help prevent these four issues.

1. Destruction by Animals
Wild animals are always seeking food and shelter, and an abandoned fire-damaged building can look inviting. With easy access, they will come in and are likely to cause more damage. Some animals will probably still be able to get in even with a fence, but it will go a long way to avert intrusion.

2. Theft and Vandalism by Trespassers
Some people may enter your property simply out of curiosity. However, others have bad intentions. Many times it is not even a planned crime but one of convenience. Without a security fence, owners of damaged property will often have issues with people vandalizing and stealing their property.

3. Injury to an Individual
One of the biggest problems for any business owner is someone getting hurt on their abandoned property, particularly a child. This occurrence could lead not only to severe injury but also to liability issues and costly medical payments for your business.

4. Trouble With the Insurance Claim
After a disaster, most insurance policies require you to do everything possible to avoid additional damage. Security fencing, roof tarping and window boarding are a few ways to mitigate loss until the fire damage restoration professionals complete their work. Otherwise, your insurer could refuse to pay part or all of the claim.
Installing a temporary security fence around your commercial building post-fire can protect your business and others from further disaster. It is a simple, inexpensive way to stay safe until your property is fully restored.

What You Need to Know About Mold

4/13/2022 (Permalink)

Is it possible to find the mold? Our SERVPRO staff can help if mold damage has occurred in your home or business in Woodinville, WA.

Mold: Everything You Need to Know

If your business' building has suffered from any type of water damage, be it a broken pipe or a typical Woodinville, WA, flood, you know how challenging the restoration process can be. What you may not know is that the true danger lies ahead in the form of fungi like black mold, also known as Stachybotrys, which can grow on almost any surface with a moisture problem. The most common types of mold include:

• Stachybotrys
• Mucor
• Fusarium
• Cladosporium
• Chaetomium
• Aureobasidium
• Alternaria

What Is Mold?
Mold is a category of fungus, a small organism that exists almost everywhere in the world. It can have a wide variety of appearances, from fuzzy to slimy and everything in between, and can appear in a range of colors, such as white, black, orange, purple, and green.
Where Does Mold Come From?
Mold spores, which are the equivalent of plants' seeds, are floating through the air almost everywhere around us, searching for a hospitable new home. They can land on almost any type of surface, but especially thrive in moist and dark areas. They grows at an incredibly rapid pace, so it is crucial to catch a new black mold growth right away.

How Do You Get Rid of Mold?
Even if you wipe away all the mold you can see, countless spores inevitably remain embedded into the surface on which they were growing. This means that home cleanup efforts are rarely effective at keeping the mold away for good. The most important step to take if you notice any mold growths in your building is to halt any water damage if possible, and then call your local mold cleanup experts. Professional techniques and equipment can exterminate the mold spores altogether, ensuring that it won't just grow back the next day.
Black mold spores can begin to spread within 24-48 hours of water damage, and the longer you let them grow unchecked, the more difficult mold cleanup will be, so don't wait to take action.

3 Benefits of Professional Fire Restoration

3/30/2022 (Permalink)

SERVPRO franchisees are open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week and can get to work quickly to fix fire damage to your business.

3 Advantages Of Hiring A Professional Fire Restoration Company

When fire damages a commercial building in Bothell, WA, the quality of the fire restoration determines how quickly the business can reopen and how much secondary damage occurs. A top tier restoration service is one you can confidently recommend to your insurance clients. The following are three ways that SERVPRO stands out from the competition.

1. IICRC Certification Ensures Quality Restoration

The Institute of Inspection, Cleaning and Restoration Certification has been setting high standards for the restoration industry since 1972. The standards cover everything from continuing education requirements to liability insurance. Due to these rigorous standards, IICRC-certified SERVPRO franchises are often given preferred vendor status by insurance companies.

2. Quick Response Prevents Further Damage

The soot leftover after a fire has been extinguished is often corrosive, but that is not the only post-fire risk businesses face. The firefighting efforts may have resulted in broken windows and holes in the roof that can allow vandals and wildlife to enter the property and cause even more damage. Standing water leftover from firehoses can lead to mold growth if not dried up within 24 hours. Boarding up openings and beginning the fire restoration process as soon as possible is the best way to prevent further damage. SERVPRO franchises are open 24/7 and are able to get to work quickly.

3. ‘Restore Versus Replace’ Saves Money

SERVPRO technicians are taught to approach every job with a “restore versus replace" mentality. This means that the goal is to restore when possible and replace only when there’s no better solution. Although complete rebuilding services are sometimes necessary after a fire, the this approach saves money and allows business owners to keep more of their original possessions.

Business fires are upsetting and stressful, but the fire rebuild process does not have to be. When insurance companies choose IICRC-certified companies with a customer-centric approach to fire restoration, the damage to the property and the stress on the client are both minimized.

Removing Odors From Your Business After Flooding

2/15/2022 (Permalink)

The drying equipment we use at SERVPRO is top of the line in the restoration industry. Call us when you need it!

After A Flood, How To Get Rid Of Odors In Your Business

A flood is devastating enough, but the aftermath can leave you with extensive cleanup, meaning that your business may experience lengthy interruptions during restoration. Mold growth becomes a serious concern after flooding, and it can also lead to the development of musty odors. Thankfully, there is a process to eliminate and prevent mold while simultaneously dealing with the smell.

1. Eliminate Excess Moisture

The first step to removing odor is to eliminate the excess moisture. You may need to rent or purchase pumps and air movers to help dry out the flooded areas. You can also purchase dehumidifiers and place them around to help minimize the humidity levels throughout the facility.

2. Ventilate the Affected Areas

While ventilation may spread mold growth, if you have controlled the level of moisture through the building, you can reduce this risk. Ventilation is essential to reducing odor. Air movement will help to dry everything out further.

3. Remove Contaminated Debris

Flood water can harbor a lot of bacteria that in turn starts to smell. You can remove the contaminated elements of your business to reduce the odor. For instance, office chairs, carpets and drapes can hold moisture which leads to odors.

4. Disinfect Disaster Area

Once water and debris are removed, you can begin the process of cleaning and disinfecting the space. However, floods caused by sewage loss may require a disaster restoration specialist in the Greenlake, WA, area to properly clean and disinfect the space, this is generally in you and your employee’s best interest.

While mold growth is a concern after a flood, the odor that stems from stagnant water, bacteria and mold may be a more dire issue. As long as you act fast, mold development can be mitigated which means that the odor is the next critical problem for most business owners. Follow the steps above or contact a specialist to get your business back on track sooner rather than later.

4 Essential Water Damage Restoration Steps

12/16/2021 (Permalink)

SERVPRO of Shoreline/Woodinville has trained restoration technicians ready to help after water damage. Call us!

4 Steps To Recovering From Water Damage

Regardless of your building’ age, broken pipes and water damage may be serious concerns. Because excessive moisture can cause secondary mold contamination, it’s essential to respond to leaks and flooding quickly. To help ensure a timely and efficient water cleanup, you may want to consider consulting a professional restoration service. To safeguard your facility’s integrity, the team you hire should complete four key steps during the process.

1. Document Damage

Most commercial property insurance policies cover damage resulting from leaking pipes. To file a complete claim, you may need to provide evidence of destruction. For this reason, you should ensure someone takes photographs or videos before cleanup efforts commence.

2. Remove Saturated Items

Any standing or pooled liquid should be promptly drained from the premise. It’s also essential to remove every saturated item from your building. This includes office equipment, upholstered furnishings and carpets.

Water can also seep behind walls and soak insulation. For this reason, you should also remove and discard wet drywall.

3. Dry Affected Space

Water damage can result in substantial mold growth. To help reduce this risk, it’s important to thoroughly dry the affected area as quickly as possible. Your water cleanup team may open windows and employ fans and dehumidifiers to expediate the process.

4. Verify Absence of Moisture

Depending on the severity of flooding, it may take several days before the site is dry. Because mold is adept at growing within hidden areas, it’s critical to verify the absence of moisture before replacing destroyed flooring and drywall. Your restoration crew can utilize moisture meters to ensure the site is adequately dry and ready for the final phase of reconstruction.

Recovering from broken pipes and extensive water damage can be a daunting experience for any Bothell, WA, business. By completing these four critical steps, a professional cleanup team can help you efficiently evaluate and address the situation, allowing you to focus on vital business operations.

Creating A Fire Escape Plan That Works

10/26/2021 (Permalink)

After you have accomplished these important steps of the fire procedure, the next best thing to do is practice.

Making A Workable Fire Escape Plan

Fire safety is essential in the office. Teaching your workers what to do in the event of a disaster can reduce confusion and chaos, which is why it is important to have a clear evacuation procedure. A fire escape plan needs to include several vital parts to work efficiently. Here are four things you should do to make an emergency escape plan that protects your employees.

1. Gather Fire Supplies
Check to see if your building in Shoreline, WA, has a sufficient number of fire extinguishers, flashlights, and first aid kits. If your building is new, don’t delay getting these needed resources. Once you have gathered these tools, don’t forget to keep them on hand and inspect them at least every six months.

2. Make an Evacuation Route
Find the best ways to escape every room in your commercial building and put it all on a handy map for your employees. Depending on the size of the building and your employee staff, this fire escape plan might be complex and hard to understand. Try to make the map as clear and efficient as possible and instruct each worker how to handle the situation.

3. Identify a Meeting Place
The aftermath of a fire can be just as confusing as the actual disaster. Establish a location where your workers can gather so that you can confirm that everyone made it out safe. Schools are known for creating clear, efficient emergency escape plans. They usually choose large, flat areas where the students can gather and be accounted for. Pick a place that works best for your staff.

4. Practice Often
After you have accomplished these important steps of the fire procedure, the next best thing to do is practice. Run drills, remind workers of escape routes, and watch for any recurring problems.

A fire escape plan that is simple yet informative is a great addition to any company. Although these drills may not prevent fire damage to the building, they can protect your workers and customers from getting hurt.

3 Simple Cleaning Practices To Prevent Mold Spore Buildup

7/20/2021 (Permalink)

Mold damage.

Prevent Mold Spore Buildup

The trouble with mold is that it exists nearly everywhere in the world, and spores are ever-present in the air. This is fine when talking about outdoor air, but indoor air takes some special management to keep mold spores from becoming too abundant and forming colonies. Some simple cleaning is all it takes to manage these populations and reduce the chance of mold problems. Here are three simple cleaning practices to reduce spores in your building.

1. Routine Cleaning to Reduce Spores and Dirt

Spores can accumulate in several places in your building. Because spores are microscopic, they tend to accumulate with dust and dirt particles. Molds feed on organic materials like cellulose, dust particles and human food. That's right, spores accumulate in the same places where their food sources exist. That's a big risk for the development of mold, but routine cleaning practices such as dusting and wiping surfaces, vacuuming, and carpet cleaning are all effective at reducing spore buildup, dust and dirt.

2. Proper Carpet Cleaning

Proper carpet and upholstery cleaning is dependent on many factors, including traffic and type of material. Carpets are fibrous and full of crevices that they act as a pitfall for spores, dust and dirt. Particles become trapped deep in the carpet as well as in the nooks and crannies of the fibers. Frequent vacuuming is essential to removing particles, but yearly professional carpet cleaning is essential to remove spores and soil that have settled deep in your carpets.

3. HVAC Maintenance and Cleaning

HVAC systems are a common place for mold to develop since spores and dirt easily travel through the air in this moisture-filled system. A yearly HVAC service will help this system perform at its best and reduce spore buildup.

Regularly cleaning in these three areas will help manage indoor spore populations, but you can also count on mold remediation specialists to help with spore control in addition to full mold problems. Professionals have the knowledge and equipment to clean up mold while minimizing the spread of mold spores.

What To Expect When Rebuilding After a Commercial Fire

6/11/2021 (Permalink)

Fire breaks out in Woodinville, WA.

What Steps To Take When Your Business Suffers From Fire

There is a lot to consider when a fire breaks out at your business in Woodinville, WA and you are figuring out the process of rebuilding. A good first step is to get an estimate from a reputable fire restoration company. A full-service company will make several considerations when they send contractors to your property to make a bid.

1. Secondary Damage

When a commercial fire has caused damage to your property, the first job the contractors will do is prevent secondary damage. This will likely start with boarding up the doors, windows, and damaged walls to prevent intrusion, theft, or wandering critters. If there is damage to the roof, then a temporary roof tarp can be put in place to prevent further destruction from the weather. If there is concern about theft in the area, then a surveillance system may be installed or a security guard may be dispatched to the property.

2. Removal Services

Before the restoration process can begin, there needs to be a good cleanup of the property. If the fire department was dispatched to the property, the logical first step is to clean out any remaining water and then estimate the level of water damage. The contractors can then assess how much smoke damage and fire odor is left behind and what procedures are needed to correct the problem. Any unsalvageable debris will most likely be removed, which can help eradicate a lot of the smoke smell.

3. Restoration of Salvageable Materials

Any items or materials that can be saved will likely be packed up and sent to cleaning facilities in order to remove any smoke or fire damage. The rest of the items can then be moved to storage facilities for the duration of the restoration process.

Calling a fire restoration company to provide an estimate is a smart first step when your business suffers a fire. The contractors can provide a good accounting for how much it will cost to fix your property and work with your insurance company to make sure you have the best experience getting back into business. 

Protect Your Business With a Fire Sprinkling System

5/3/2021 (Permalink)

You certainly hope that you'll never have a fire in your commercial property, but installing a fire sprinkler system can give you some peace of mind.

Nobody expects a fire to break out in their commercial building, but it’s important to be prepared for the unexpected. One of the ways you can protect your business in Sheridan Beach, WA  is by installing a fire sprinkler system.

How a Sprinkler System Works

Sprinklers detect heat - The mechanism that activates the sprinkler is intense heat, not smoke, so you don’t have to worry about setting off sprinklers when you burn your pizza in the lunchroom oven. As heat rises during a fire, it spreads along the ceiling. The sprinkler head is made of glass that is filled with a specially-designed liquid. When this liquid expands, due to the heat, it breaks the glass which triggers the sprinkler.
Sprinklers disperse water - The system is installed with a series of pipes filled with water. When a fire sprinkler is activated, it disperses water to douse the fire. The sprinkler system must be pressurized so that the water arches outward for more effective fire suppression.
Sprinklers minimize water damage - You certainly don’t want to deal with a lot of water damage. Thankfully, each sprinkler is designed to function independently, so that if the fire is concentrated in a small area, only one sprinkler will be triggered. This helps to minimize fire sprinkler cleanup. Sprinklers also use much less water than your fire department’s hose.

How to Install a Sprinkler System
Sprinkling systems must be installed by professionals who are trained to follow all of the codes and regulations of the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA). The ideal time to install sprinklers is when the building is new, but they can also be added to an existing structure. Many insurance agencies will offer discounts for buildings with sprinklers.

You certainly hope that you'll never have a fire in your commercial property, but installing a fire sprinkler system can give you some peace of mind.

Boarding Up a Building After Fire Damage

4/24/2021 (Permalink)

Board up after fire damage

Boarding Up After A Fire

From cooking accidents to electrical malfunctions, commercial fires happen every day in offices, restaurants, hotels and warehouses. Total fire damage for companies usually exceeds $2.4 billion a year, according to the National Fire Protection Association. Each situation is unique and the restoration process encompasses a variety of techniques and solutions. One common scenario is a burned building that is dangerously unsecured after a fire. In these cases, the first job of a fire mitigation company is to secure the building against additional harm.

How Boarding Up and Tarp Services Work
If the fire damage is extensive, a property might have holes in the roof, broken windows and doors and other gaps in the building envelope. This exposes the property to storms, wild animals and looting. Restoration professionals will secure the building by putting boards over the holes or placing a tarp over the roof. This is a job best left to professionals for several reasons:

• Workers have been trained in the process
  
• They have the equipment to reach unstable areas
  
• They have the tools to complete the job safely
  
• They know where to place the boards and tarps
  
  

Once the building is secured, technicians will get to work on restoring the property. At this point, there is less need to worry about secondary damage to the building.

How the Fire Cleanup Process Continues
After the initial inspection and assessment, trained workers will often move on to water removal and drying. This is often necessary due to the impacts of fire sprinkler systems or fire crews. This is followed by the removal of soot and smoke damage from all surfaces. A cleaning and sanitizing stage helps return the building and its contents to good condition. Restoration repairs damage to drywall and other structures.
After a blaze, fire damage can vary from fairly minor to complete devastation. A professional response will make the best of a difficult situation.

Watch Out for These Common Causes of Commercial Water Damage

4/17/2021 (Permalink)

SERVPRO of Shoreline / Woodinville can respond immediately to your commercial water damage emergency regardless of the size or scope of the damage.

Running a business is hard work for most people, but water damage, such as that caused by a broken pipe and flooding, can present a whole new set of issues. If you are a business owner in Woodinville WA make sure to look out for these common water damage causes.

Types of Problems

In a business, the causes of water damage can take many forms:

• Broken pipes

• Toilet overflows

• Supply line breaks

• Fire sprinkler system faults

When these incidents happen, it can cost a pretty penny to repair the damage. Some examples of damage include flooding, damp carpeting and drywall, standing water and mold growth. It may also be difficult to continue working in your building until everything is fixed or replaced. Therefore, it’s important to keep an eye out for these issues and call water repair experts if you notice anything that could result in potential water damage.

Dealing With Commercial Water Damage

If your business has water damage from a broken pipe or a supply line break, it’s imperative to call a commercial water damage restoration team to handle the situation and restore your business to its original condition. When working on repairing your business, a professional team should be able to perform these services:

• Extracting standing water and drying your building

• Drying and dehumidifying to remove remaining moisture in carpets and walls

• Sanitizing to clean your belongings and eliminate odors

• Restoring to repair affected areas or initiating reconstruction based on how severe the damage is

Taking these steps can ensure your building will be safe and clean. This is imperative for you and your employees when you return to work.

Owning a business is difficult, but preparation is important to make sure that you’re ready for any future issues, such as a broken pipe, that may happen down the road. That way, you’ll be able to take the necessary steps to solve problems like water damage, whether it’s caused by natural disasters or internal structural issues. Give SERVPRO of Shoreline/Woodinville a call for more information on commercial water damage services.

4 Steps To Fix a Toilet That Won’t Stop Flushing

4/10/2021 (Permalink)

Water loss can come in many forms and leave a lasting impact unless taken care of immediately.

A commercial toilet connected to a flushometer may not stop flushing. A sediment blockage in a manual or automatic flushometer can cause the system to constantly run water or result in a toilet overflow. A facilities manager should take these four steps to stop a toilet.

1. Shut Off the Water Supply to the Flushometer

Look for a flat screwdriver slot on the left or right side of a manual or automatic flushometer. Turn the slot to shut off the flow of water and prevent a toilet overflow.

2. Clean or Replace a Manual Flushometer Gasket

Use a wrench to loosen the top lid of a manual flushometer and finish unscrewing the lid by hand. Remove the flange cover and inspect the condition of the gasket. If it is covered in sediment, this could be causing the toilet to flush constantly. Remove and clean the gasket and weep hole before reassembling the flushometer.

3. Clean or Replace an Automatic Flushometer Diaphragm Kit

After turning off the water supply to an automatic flushometer, press and hold the button or manual flush control. Clicking noises two seconds apart indicate that the diaphragm kit requires cleaning or replacement. The solenoid may also need to be serviced.

4. Contact a Plumber If the Toilet Is Still Flushing

If cleaning or replacing the gasket in a manual flushometer or diaphragm kit in an automatic model does not solve the problem, the property owner or manager should contact a commercial plumber. Regular flushometer maintenance can limit water wastage and reduce the risk of a toilet flood.

Once a facilities manager learns how to stop a toilet, it may be easier to prevent flushing or toilet overflow problems. If a toilet malfunction or sewer backup occurs, the property owner or manager should contact a plumber and a water damage mitigation and restoration service located in Shoreline, WA.

Commercial Building Restoration Services

3/30/2021 (Permalink)

Commercial cleaning and restoration present unique challenges.

When fires or water damage happen, they may occur at your office or business. Who do you call? Knowing the right company to help in an emergency is important to get your Shoreline business back up and running as quickly as possible. 

SERVPRO of Shoreline/Woodinville is available 24/7 to help you restore your Pacific Northwest commercial property and get you back to business. We have the expertise, equipment, and highly trained personnel to handle your commercial water, fire, or mold damage. We can also access the resources of our national network of 1,650 Franchises to handle large commercial projects and major storm events. Learn more about our commercial restoration services:

Commercial Services

Overview of Commercial Services
Commercial Restoration
Commercial Water Restoration
Commercial Fire Restoration
Commercial Mold Remediation
Commercial Storm and Major Events
Disaster Recovery Team
Commercial Cleaning
Building Services

Call Today!  

(206) 789-2300

SERVPRO of Shoreline/Woodinville

Proactive Cleaning Services

3/17/2020 (Permalink)

SERVPRO of Shoreline/Woodinville is here to help 24/7!

SERVPRO is Here to Help during this time of need 

During this unprecedented time caused by the global pandemic of coronavirus, this is a reminder to our customers that we are specialists in cleaning services, and we adhere to the highest cleaning and sanitation standards. 

Specialized Training 

We are prepared to clean and disinfect your home or business, according to protocols set forth by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. We have years of experience in dealing with biological contaminants, and we will go beyond the scope of work that regular janitorial staff perform on a daily basis. 

The CDC encourages cleaning of high-touch surfaces such as counters, tabletops, doorknobs, light switches, bathroom fixtures, toilets, phones, keyboards, tablets and tables. Other spaces mentioned in the CDC’s guidance for commercial spaces include: 

• Kitchen/Food Areas 
• Bathrooms 
• Schools/Classrooms 
• Offices 
• Retail Spaces 
• Water Fountains 
• Shelving/Racks 
• Sales Counters 
• Carpets and Rugs 
• Stair Handrails 
• Elevator Cars 
• Playground Equipment 
• Fitness Equipment 

Specialized Products 

The CDC recommends usage of a labeled hospital-grade disinfectant with claims against similar pathogens to the coronavirus. Multiple products in the SERVPRO product line carry the EPA-approved emerging pathogens claims. While there is currently no product tested against this particular strain of the coronavirus, we are following all guidelines as provided by the CDC and local authorities. 

Call Today for a Proactive Cleaning 

If your home or business needs deep cleaning services, call the experts today – SERVPRO of Shoreline/Woodinville is here to help 24/7, 365!

Plan Ahead to Handle Disaster

3/5/2020 (Permalink)

A continuity plan helps you stay competitive and limits the effects of the disaster

Business owners in Bothell, WA, understand that anything can happen. While hopefully things will smoothly, a disaster can happen anytime. Along with natural disasters that require water remediation experts and building restoration, cyber threats can also be detrimental to a business. Instead of being at a loss of what to do, be prepared with a continuity plan …

What to Include

If storm damage, flooding or other extensive business interruptions happen, having a plan in place may help make weathering the storm a little easier. Since every business is different and has different requirements, a plan should be customized. There are general elements that should be included regardless of the business. They include:

• Identify key players and their responsibilities.
  
• Plans for risk mitigation.
  
• List daily tasks needed for optimal operations
  
• A detailed explanation of emergency procedures, including where to go and meet
  
• Method for coordinating with area emergency personnel
  
• Location of data backups
  
• Leadership’s contact information
  
  

Why It Matters
A continuity plan not only helps you handle an unexpected disaster, but it also helps you stay competitive and limits the effects of the disaster. Taking the time to sit down and discuss the what-ifs enhances communication among team members and can save a company’s reputation even in the worst scenarios. A clear way to deal with the unexpected better allows a company to continue service and avoid revenue loss.
Like with many things, a plan can only work if it is tested. Depending on scheduling, doing a run-through of the test at least once a year can help determine weakness and better maximize the plan’s results. It also provides hands-on training to employees, which can boost their confidence in case of a real disaster. Plans should be revisited periodically to ensure key elements are still viable.
Although no one can completely prepare for a disaster, a thorough continuity plan can make a difference if one happens.

4 Common Areas a Facility Manager May Find Mold

1/6/2020 (Permalink)

Fix plumbing leaks quickly. The steady stream of the leak will attract mold growth and become a bigger problem

4 Common Areas a Facility Manager May Find Mold

As a facility manager, you are concerned about the appearance and functionality of your commercial property, and part of ensuring those things is to clean and maintain a healthy environment. Therefore, you are likely concerned about mold growth and prevention. To help ensure that your building is clean and clear of mold, pay special attention to the following four areas of the facility.

• HVAC systems
  
• Boiler rooms
  
• Kitchens or break rooms
  
• Bathrooms
  
  

HVAC Systems

Ask any mold remediation specialist in The Highlands, WA, and they will tell you that HVAC systems often cause mold problems in extensive facilities. Commercial AC units, especially, can have minor leaks in condensate lines that lead to water damage, which in turn contributes to mold development.

Boiler Rooms

Boiler rooms are another hotbed for mold growth for two reasons: (1) moisture or humidity and (2) warmth. Mold cannot survive without water. Also, spores cannot root and spread in frigid temperatures. Therefore, the boiler area is a safe haven for fungal development, which means you should clean this area routinely.

Kitchens or Break Rooms

While high humidity provides a safe space for mold spores to take root, it can also spread in temperature-controlled and ventilated areas, like break rooms and kitchens. Refrigerators, cupboards, water coolers, microwaves and more are all appliances and storage spaces that contribute to an environment conducive to mold growth, especially when food is thrown into the mix.

Bathrooms

Next, consider the bathrooms in the building. These rooms have plenty of water, and with the pipes in the wall cavities, there exists the opportunity for leaks and the development of mold. Therefore, if there are maintenance closets that have access to bathroom plumbing, check the area periodically to make sure nothing is developing.
Facility management is a title that encompasses the functionality and cleanliness of a commercial building. Part of a manager's job, then, is to make sure the property is free of mold growth. Therefore, check the four areas above as well as the rest of the building routinely.

5 Things to Include in a Business Continuity Plan

12/20/2019 (Permalink)

Having a continuity plan in place can be a large help if poor weather causes damage

5 Things to Include in a Business Continuity Plan

For a business in Richmond Beach, WA, having a continuity plan in place can be a large help if poor weather causes damage. These plans contain a number of steps and useful information that can help your company find a restoration service, and stay open during repairs. Here are five things you may want to include.

1. Important Numbers

One of the most common things included in an emergency place is important numbers. These may include your insurance agent's number, corporate office numbers, employee numbers, and the number of anyone who may need to be kept up to date on the situation.

2. Insurance Information

It’s also important to keep insurance information in your emergency plan in case of flooding. This will allow you to quickly remind yourself about hat costs are covered, and reach your agent in order to begin the claim process.

3. Restoration Service Information

Another thing you may want to include in the continuity plan is the contact information for a local restoration service. This will allow you to quickly contact a professional who can help with any cleaning and repair needs your business may have after a storm.

4. Operation Plans

In many cases, storm damage can disrupt daily operations of a company. Because of this, you may want to include plans for where and how your business can continue to operate while repairs are made. Consider plans for if part of the building is still usable, as well as plans for if work can temporarily continue off-site.

5. Data Recovery Information

For many businesses the prospect of losing their computer data in a flood can be daunting. This is why a number of backup services exist. You may want to include your data backup information in your plan.
Including these five things in your company’s continuity plan may help you stay open while repairs are being made. In addition, information kept in the plan will be easy to find to help make implementing your recovery strategy a quick process.

5 Water Damage Issues Your Business May Face

9/30/2019 (Permalink)

Commercial water damage in The Highlands, WA

5 of The Most Common Water Damage Scenarios

There are a few potential water damage issues any business in The Highlands, WA, may face. These can include everything from a broken pipe to the destruction caused by a large storm. Fortunately, a local water damage restoration service can help you get your business up and running again after a flood has occurred. Here are five of the most common water damage scenarios the pros may see:

1. Storms

Storm damage can be one of the most common culprits of water destruction for businesses. High winds and heavy rain can cause roof problems that may lead to leaks and potential flooding.

2. Winter Weather

Cold weather, especially in the winter, comes with its own set of problems. Frozen water can build up and then leak into the building once it thaws. Similarly, a frozen pipe can break and lead to flooding when it melts.

3. Pipe Breakage

A broken pipe can occur from general wear and tear or stress to the structure. If you believe there may be a pipe break in your building, it's important to contact a professional as soon as you can.

4. Sewage Problems

Sewage problems may also lead to a flood at your place of business. This could occur from either a block in the sewage system or sewage backup problems in the city's mainline. If you have sewage problems, it’s best to obtain qualified assistance as quickly as possible.

5. Appliance Failure

Another way you may find your businesses needing water repair is through appliance failure, such as the refrigerator in the break room. Such appliances are often attached to a water line. If this line breaks, it could lead to possible flooding.
Water damage can create a serious issue for any business. Whether dealing with storm damage, winter weather, a broken pipe, sewage backup, or appliance failure, it's always best to contact professional help to dry the area and sanitize it. Doing this can help you get your business back up and in working condition as quickly as possible.