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Categories of Water Damage in Bristol, Pa.

3/30/2021

Even the smallest amount of water that intrudes into your home can quickly gravitate from a nuisance to a significant issue. And a water intrusion that involves hundreds or thousands of gallons of water may mean you become homeless for a short time, while the repair is performed

Did you know that water losses are given classifications? One water loss isn’t always like the next. There are differences.

Many water damage In Bristol, Pa. situations involve a basement, and often a sump pump failure. Others are from leaky pipes or even broken pipes. When this occurs, along with other types of water loss situations, did you know the water type is classified by professional water damage restoration experts as “clean?” That’s right. Even if it looks dirty, because of a lower amount of potentially hazardous contaminants in the water, it is given a “Category 1” classification. However, this type of water loss can quickly escalate into a more dangerous situation, if not removed and affected materials dried out quickly.

Then we have water damage situations that may contain potentially hazardous contaminants and bacteria that could be harmful to your health. An example would be a toilet that overflows, that doesn’t involve raw sewage. This would be a “Category 2” classification. A Category 1 can become a Category 2 if left unattended, because of bacteria and microbial growth occurring over time.

And it gets worse from here. A “Category 3” water damage situation is “black” water and is always considered dangerous to the health of occupants in a home or building. An example would be a raw sewage backup and contamination. Another would be flood waters, since you aren’t sure of the source of the water or where it has been. The contamination involved would dictate wearing personal protective equipment and even respirators. Never risk your health. The safe thing is a mold inspection in Bristol, Pa., after such water damage.

For Category 1 and Category 2, there is a chance you could extract and dry the area yourself. Often, it ends up in frustration and even mold growth. But for Category 3, never attempt this on your own. In fact, play it safe. Always call a professional water damage company when you have any type of flooding situation in your home. And always call a professional, when mold removal in Bristol, Pa. is needed. After all, it pays to call a pro!

Seasonal Mold Removal Bensalem, Pa.

3/30/2021

There are many types of mold, and you never want to put yourself or your family at risk when you see some in your house. When it is in your home, it’s time to call a mold professional. Fast!

But outside the house? That’s a different matter altogether.

One fact people don’t always appreciate is mold is everywhere. It’s a product of nature, and found inside and outside. When you find it inside, the mold spores can become concentrated, and depending on the severity of allergic reactions, can even be dangerous. That’s why mold contamination in a structure must be remediated by a mold professional. Good to get a mold inpection in Bensalem, Pa.

Mold that is outside your home is especially noticeable when it is on your home, such as the wood, vinyl or brick siding, or horizontal areas such as decking. When that happens, don’t panic… this mold is where it should be and isn’t much of a danger, unless you or those in your household are prone to allergen exposure associated with mold spores. And mold removal in Bensalem, Pa. is fairly easy.

If you don’t have allergen issues, then a regular cleaning of the exterior of your home should be a simple task. You have several options you can utilize to accomplish this.

Clean and scrub

The oldest, tried-and-true method of cleaning the exterior of your home from soil, debris, and mold, involves a bucket, brush, sudsing detergent, ladders, and hoses. Using a pump-up sprayer to wet down the exterior means you can get better contact and soak time, and your scrubbing and “elbow grease” efforts are minimized.

Choose a small section at a time. If your cleaning solution dries out, you must re-apply solution and start over. Wash the section, rinse it thoroughly, and allow to dry and then inspect. It may take a couple of cleanings to get the results you want. Any moldy soils that you wash away, make sure you don’t get them on your clothing and bring them inside.

Power washing

This is the most effective, time-saving method of cleaning the exterior of your home and removing mold growth.

You can purchase power washing equipment inexpensively, and you can spend hundreds of dollars as well. The inexpensive version will be electric, and the expensive version powered by gasoline. Either way works well; gas powered versions will be more powerful and faster to use.

As with any surface, apply your detergent and allow it to soak. Then power wash the exterior, washing off soil and mold away from you. Always be safe. Any contact you have with mold, be sure to wash off completely and don’t track it into your home.

Use a pro

Your favorite cleaning and restoration company knows how to tackle this type of chore best. Do the smart thing and save some time and even some money. And headaches as well. Call them up. After all, it pays to call a pro!

Sump Pump Misery in Ambler, Pa.

3/30/2021

Your home may be nice and warm — and dry — but if you have a basement and a sump pump, anything can happen if there is a failure of your trusty remover of ground water.

Sump pumps work to keep basements dry in certain geographic locations, and we trust our own pump will continue as a reliable sentinel of protection. Yet, as is the case with any mechanical device, failure will eventually happen. This can cause water damage in Ambler, PA.

How long should your sump pump work? It depends on several factors, including how hard it works and the mineral content of the groundwater it is pumping out. Anything can happen. The experts say that a sump pump should last an average of 10 years, so do the math.

How old is your sump pump? It might be a good idea to consult a plumber (or do it yourself) and replace it before it fails. The excess water can lead to mold. Mold removal in Ambler, Pa., should always be done by a professional. First have a mold inspection in Ambler, Pa.

How they work

Sump pumps work on demand. When the ground is dry, they obviously don’t do anything. But when it begins to rain, or groundwater begins to rise naturally, the float switch rises and the pump starts up, removing water to the outside, usually to a storm drain. When the water level lowers, the float switch follows and turns off the pump.

Sometimes, the float switch can become stuck in the “up” position, which means the pump will run continuously. Most people can hear their pump and if you notice it is running continuously, go look and check the float. If the float is down, and the pump is running, it is time to consider replacement.

Over time you will get to know the normal sound of your pump and anything out of the ordinary will get your attention. Don’t ignore an abnormal sound. A flooded basement is no fun.

Replacement

The cost of a sump pump can be as low as $50 to several hundred dollars, depending on the model you choose. Larger capacity pumps cost more, obviously.

Installing a sump pump can be straightforward, simple. When you purchase a new pump, such as at your favorite hardware store, ask for instructions. Some of them come with the pump, but the experts who sell you the pump also know what to do.

You can also call a plumber. That shouldn’t be too expensive as a professional will make quick work of the task. And you have the peace of mind that the pump is installed correctly and working as it is designed.

Of course, if your pump ever fails you and your basement floods, you need professional help to clean up the mess. Call your favorite water damage restoration company. After all, it pays to call a pro!

Appliance Adversities in Levittown, Pa.

3/29/2021

Water damage in Levittown, Pa., issues in your home can really ruin a good day… week… or month.

You want to do all you can to avoid any type of flooding because damage can be quite extensive and expensive. One thing you can do to avoid future issues is to ensure your appliances are in good working order and that they don’t spring a leak that can damage your home.

Obviously, the biggest threat in your home is the toilet. Or toilets, if you have more than one bathroom. They can plug up, overflowing when you flush them. They can also leak at the seal, where the toilet sits on the floor. And, of course, the supply line can leak, sometimes slowly but occasionally with a strong spray of water. This normally happens when you replace the parts inside the toilet tank. Make sure you do a good job when you work on your toilet! You don’t want any surprises popping up.

Second on the list is your washing machine. Its job is to fill up with hot, soapy water, do some shaking, and clean your clothes, and then drain into the sewage system. However, sometimes the drain can become plugged and water can come spewing out, causing all kinds of damage. A hot or cold supply hose can also break, and if you aren’t home when that happens, the damage can be devastating. Be sure to inspect your drain and the condition of your hoses regularly. The seals on the door need to be inspected as well, if it is a front-loading machine.

Third in this lineup of appliances is your dishwasher. It’s like your washing machine but doesn’t fill up with water quite as much, but if it springs a leak, whether from the drain or from the door, you will have a big mess. Using too much dishwashing detergent can also be a cause of a machine overflowing. Inspect the supply and drain hoses and use the appropriate amount of detergent. The seals on the door, like your front-loading washing machine, need some attention from time to time.
Always have the number of an emergency plumbing service in Levittown, Pa.

When the worst happens, and your home suffers from any type of flooding, do the right thing. The safest thing. Call your water damage restoration experts.
Also call your local mold inspection in Levittown, Pa. company if you need that service as well.

After all, it pays to call a pro!

The Leaky Hot Water Tank in Langhorne, Pa.

3/29/2021

Sump Pump Misery in Horsham, Pa.

3/26/2021

Your home may be nice and warm — and dry — but if you have a basement and a sump pump, anything can happen if there is a failure of your trusty remover of ground water.

Sump pumps work to keep basements dry in certain geographic locations, and we trust our own pump will continue as a reliable sentinel of protection. Yet, as is the case with any mechanical device, failure will eventually happen.

How long should your sump pump work? It depends on several factors, including how hard it works and the mineral content of the groundwater it is pumping out. Anything can happen. The experts say that a sump pump should last an average of 10 years, so do the math.

How old is your sump pump? It might be a good idea to consult a plumber (or do it yourself) and replace it before it fails.

How they work

Sump pumps work on demand. When the ground is dry, they obviously don’t do anything. But when it begins to rain, or groundwater begins to rise naturally, the float switch rises and the pump starts up, removing water to the outside, usually to a storm drain. When the water level lowers, the float switch follows and turns off the pump.

Sometimes, the float switch can become stuck in the “up” position, which means the pump will run continuously. Most people can hear their pump and if you notice it is running continuously, go look and check the float. If the float is down, and the pump is running, it is time to consider replacement.

Over time you will get to know the normal sound of your pump and anything out of the ordinary will get your attention. Don’t ignore an abnormal sound. A flooded basement is no fun.

Replacement

The cost of a sump pump can be as low as $50 to several hundred dollars, depending on the model you choose. Larger capacity pumps cost more, obviously.

Installing a sump pump can be straightforward, simple. When you purchase a new pump, such as at your favorite hardware store, ask for instructions. Some of them come with the pump, but the experts who sell you the pump also know what to do.
Any emergency plumbing service in Horsham, Pa. can advise you.

You can also call a plumber. That shouldn’t be too expensive as a professional will make quick work of the task. And you have the peace of mind that the pump is installed correctly and working as it is designed.
Sometimes these areas of the home need to have a mold inspection in Horsham, Pa., due to dampness.

Of course, if your pump ever fails you and your basement floods, you need professional help to clean up the mess. Call your favorite water damage in Horsham, Pa. restoration company. After all, it pays to call a pro!

Appliance Adversities in Glenside, Pa.

3/26/2021

Water damage in Glenside, Pa. that can cause issues in your home can really ruin a good day… week… or month.

You want to do all you can to avoid any type of flooding because damage can be quite extensive and expensive. One thing you can do to avoid future issues is to ensure your appliances are in good working order and that they don’t spring a leak that can damage your home. And sometimes there is a need for mold removal in Glenside,Pa. , due to hidden mold.

Obviously, the biggest threat in your home is the toilet. Or toilets, if you have more than one bathroom. They can plug up, overflowing when you flush them. They can also leak at the seal, where the toilet sits on the floor. And, of course, the supply line can leak, sometimes slowly but occasionally with a strong spray of water. This normally happens when you replace the parts inside the toilet tank. Make sure you do a good job when you work on your toilet! You don’t want any surprises popping up.
Good to know who has emergency plumbing service in Glenside, Pa.

Second on the list is your washing machine. Its job is to fill up with hot, soapy water, do some shaking, and clean your clothes, and then drain into the sewage system. However, sometimes the drain can become plugged and water can come spewing out, causing all kinds of damage. A hot or cold supply hose can also break, and if you aren’t home when that happens, the damage can be devastating. Be sure to inspect your drain and the condition of your hoses regularly. The seals on the door need to be inspected as well, if it is a front-loading machine.

Third in this lineup of appliances is your dishwasher. It’s like your washing machine but doesn’t fill up with water quite as much, but if it springs a leak, whether from the drain or from the door, you will have a big mess. Using too much dishwashing detergent can also be a cause of a machine overflowing. Inspect the supply and drain hoses and use the appropriate amount of detergent. The seals on the door, like your front-loading washing machine, need some attention from time to time.

When the worst happens, and your home suffers from any type of flooding, do the right thing. The safest thing. Call your water damage restoration experts. And down the road, getting a mold test in Glenside, Pa. is always a smart idea.

After all, it pays to call a pro!

Toilet Tragedies in Feasterville, Pa.

3/26/2021

There’s not much that can cause a panic and loud screaming than when the handle of the toilet is pushed and — instead of everything swirling down into the sewer line — it all comes rushing back out.
This is the perfect time to call for emergency plumbing service in Feasterville, Trevose ,Pa.

You know what the “everything” is... and you surely do not wish to be the offending flusher who must clean it up. But someone needs to do the dirty work.

Yes, when a toilet overflows, it’s time to put on your best game face and get ready for action. Put this nightmare behind you. But before you start work, you might wish to reach for good shoes, like rubber boots, along with gloves and other protective gear. A nose clip might not be a bad idea, either.

The first order of business is to stop this exciting event from happening again. Be sure the toilet is unplugged, draining, and working properly. If you clean everything up and it all happens again, your nightmare just repeats itself.

Scrape up any (ick) solids and soak up any liquids with disposable towels. Remove as much excess contamination as possible.

Then liberally apply a strong disinfectant cleaner, something appropriate for this type of work. Your local hardware or grocery store will have a selection of products, and you may have something under your kitchen sink that will work.

Wipe down everything, even if in doubt if a surface was affected. Better safe than sorry. After doing all of this, do it one more time, just to be sure.
Follow this with cleaning the same surfaces with a typical bathroom cleaning product, to remove any remaining residues.
Be on the look out for possible water damage in Feasterville, Trevose Pa.

Although this is a common occurrence and it is a safe bet that every home has a vengeful toilet that has belched up offending olfactory gunk, be sure to do a thorough job with your cleanup process. Bacteria can grow and affect the health of your family.

To keep your home clean and healthy, there’s something else you can do. Reach out to your restoration pros. They know how to handle not only floods, mold, fire and smoke damage… but sewage backup as well. Let them handle the icky stuff.
Not a bad idea to have a mold test in Feasterville, Trevose, Pa. at some point after the clean up.

The Leaky Hot Water Tank in Cinnaminson, N.J.

3/25/2021

What a mess! What are we going to do!

Have you ever said something like that? If you have experienced a leaky hot water tank… you probably have.

When it happened, hopefully it was in an unfinished basement and not in an area of the house that suffered severe water damage in Cinnaminson, N.J .

Leaks can happen anytime there is contained water, in any pipe, hose, or appliance. For hot water heaters, you add the element of pressure and heat. A leak can quickly turn into a spray of water, and a bad flood.

To add insult to injury, when you discover a hot water tank is leaking or flooding your home and you turn off the water, chances are those remaining 50, 60, 70, 80 or more gallons are still going to come out to haunt you. Some water tanks are big. Good for multiple occupants in your home… bad for flooding.

Adding insult to injury, when your hot water tank fails, you not only have to clean up the mess, but now you don’t have… hot water. It’s a cold shower for everyone until you get it fixed.

Of course, if a leaking hot water tank ruins your day, it’s time to bring in the water damage professionals. But there are some steps you can take so this never (hopefully!) happens to you.

An aging issue

Like any appliance, the older it gets, the more likely it may have issues. Some experts say a tank should last between 8-12 years. How long have you had your tank? If much longer than that, you may be living on borrowed time! Replacement may be necessary.

Healthy checkups

You can keep an eye on things yourself. Once a month, look over your hot water tank, inspecting for evidence of water seepage. Often, this comes from underneath the tank. If any moisture is noticeable, call a plumber and get it fixed ASAP.
Also a good idea to get a mold inspection in Cinnaminson, N.J.

An annual inspection by a plumbing company is a good idea as well. These visits are not that expensive and can really save you in the long run.

Flush away troubles

When you don’t see it, you don’t think about it. But inside your water tank, sediment and residues are building up. These can cause all kinds of issues. You can flush out your tank by (after reducing the temperature, of course) attaching a garden hose to the connection at the bottom of the tank and removing all the gunk and goo down there. It will have to drain somewhere, which could be a challenge. Of course, if you don’t want to mess with this, have your plumber do it for you.

When the unthinkable happens, though, and you are facing inches (hopefully not feet!) of water to clean up, and damaged belongings in your home as well, it’s time to call your water damage experts. After all, it pays to call a pro!
Always a good idea to call a professional for mold removal in Cinnaminson, N.J.

Three Steps for Drying Out in Cherry Hill, N.J.

3/24/2021

There are many causes of water damage Cherry Hill, N.J. to homes and buildings, ranging from heavy rains, leaky roofs, broken pipes, failure hot water heaters, sewage back-ups and more.

The cause of the damage must be considered when drying out a home or building. If it is “fresh” water, such as a broken pipe or leaky roof, the drying process is a little simpler than a sewage back-up.
During times like this, have emergency plumbing service in Cherry Hill, N.J. is a big help.

Small water damages that are concentrated to an area, such as under a kitchen sink, can quickly be cleaned up. Large water damages can take days to clean and dry out, often resulting in pesky odors that then must be dealt with. It’s that pesky odor that tells you not all is well, and more work needs to be done. This may be a good time to get a mold test in Cherry Hill, N.J.

Remove, Clean, Dry

Cleaning and disinfecting surfaces quickly means less microbial growth, which can lead to potentially dangerous mold. Some people are highly sensitive to mold spores, while others show no physical reaction at all. Don’t take the chance in learning the hard way how you might react to mold. Prevention is best.
To ensure the safety of your family, there are three basic steps:

Remove the water/contamination: This means get the affected areas dry, and quickly.
Clean the area: No matter the water source, a quality disinfectant should be used.
Dry the area: Air movement is important. Directed air on damp areas aids in the evaporation process.

Remember, water damage can be potentially dangerous even after you think surfaces are dry. If it feels dry, it just might be… but it might not. Professional water damage removal pros have meters and devices to determine when surfaces are totally dry. Knowing a mold removal in Cherry Hill, N.J. company, is helpful. And they have the products and equipment necessary to do the job right — items you can’t buy at your local grocery or hardware store.

Play it safe. Protect your family. Call your restoration pros for any type of water damage to your home.

PHILADELPHIA DISASTER RESTORATION COMES HIGHLY RECOMMENDED

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Steven St. Juste
11 months ago

"Extremely professional and willing to go above and beyond to meet my needs as a customer. It's great to find trustworthy and honest contractors! I will definitely be recommending this company to anyone who needs mold remediation service. 5 stars isn't enough!"

Andressa Smith
A year ago

"Our basement got flooded last month from the Tropical Storm Isaias, We immediately called 20+ companies and no kidding, no one was able to come within 3+ days because so many folks got flooded too (in fact they all put me in their waiting lists). We found PDR number after scouring the internet, and were able to talk to Jo (the owner of PDR). He was able to come the next day with his crew (it must have been several trucks!) to our house and literally did an amazing (and fast!) job of water mitigation. The next several days was dry out process and his crew again checked daily for the moisture content of the basement! All the meantime Jo was also helping us understanding if there're other issues (other than torrential rain) that worsen the flood. He checked the french drain channel system, all the pipes etc around the house. And most importantly he also helped me so much with the INSURANCE claim! Wow! We also had Jo and Ryan rebuild the basement. They worked with our budget and incredibly fast in rebuilding our basement. They started last Tuesday and we have the basement fully done and finished in less than one week. The price they gave us was also reasonable, they worked with our budget and tried to give us the best for our money. We cannot thank Jo and Ryan (and Ben and Mike, and the rest of his crew) enough. It's been a stressful situation but we are glad we had PDR to help us putting our basement back - they are definitely professional and trustworthy. If you find yourself in our situation, got yourself a flooded basement and in need of someone reliable, fast and trustworthy - call Jo! Just do it!"

Kevin Diep
1 review

"Jo was very knowledgeable. Ryan and Ben were extra awesome. thumbs up. very good job."

Jennifer K,
Bensalem PA

"Thank you for the quick response and professionalism you showed during a very trying time for us. You went above and beyond to make this whole horrible experience a pleasant one. A million thank yous - it is wonderful to see companies with great customer service.

Contact Us
Philadelphia Disaster Restoration
3600 Drumore Dr.
Philadelphia, PA 19154
Phone. 215-880-1143