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Categories of Water Damage in Philadelphia, PA

3/30/2023

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 Philadelphia, PA situations involve a basement, and often a sump pump failure. Others are from leaky pipes or even broken pipes in Philadelphia, PA. 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 cleanup in Philadelphia, PA 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.

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 cleanup in Philadelphia, PA company when you have any type of flooding situation in your home. After all, it pays to call a pro!

Mysterious Mustiness in Levittown, PA

3/26/2023

It’s easy to know where musty or moldy water damage in Levittown, PA odors are coming from after you have suffered from a water damage, which happens from a broken pipe, overflowing toilet or flooding from rainwater, to mention a few.

But what do you do when you notice a disaster restoration in Levittown, PA mysterious “musty” odor in your home? Nothing is broken. There was no big storm. The sump pump is chugging away like normal.

Mysterious musty odors can be caused by a variety of situations. Figuring out where they are coming from and remediating them is the challenge.

What are some common causes?

Ice dams are the bane of winter. Ice water in basement in Levittown, PA dams are created on roofs in cold climates. They develop when snow accumulates on a roof with a slope, the snow starts to melt and the water slowly moves down the slope to the eaves or gutters. The water can’t drain because of the amount of debris in the gutters, such as from leaves. It then mold damage in Levittown, PA refreezes, creating an ice dam, which means during the next thaw water can’t drain through the obstruction. This then causes leaks through the roofing material, and into your home. If the water intrusion is minimal, you might not even know it is happening, until your nose knows… detecting that mysterious musty odor.

Leaky drains are another cause of musty odors. If the leak is very slow, water can drip, drip, drip… and over time cause damage under sinks. You don’t notice it because it’s mold cleaning in Levittown, PA hidden, and the amount of water is contained in a small area. But you start to notice the smell, that mysterious mustiness that you are determined to eradicate.

Severe condensation on windows is easy to see but often homeowners don’t appreciate the damage potential. This odor-causing issue is caused by excessive moisture in the home, especially in the winter when windows draw the moisture onto cold surfaces. The toxic black mold in Levittown, PA moisture itself isn’t the problem. The problem is when the moisture moves down into the window sills and any natural woodwork or even wall interiors get wet and create that mysterious musty odor.

What can you do? Do an inspection. Look at all areas black mold in Levittown, PA in your home that water can intrude or accumulate. Your restoration pros have the equipment to do it right, with moisture meters and special cameras that detect moisture.

Be smart. Give them a call.

The Musty Basement

3/22/2023

Musty basement cleanup in Philadelphia, PA is a chore that must be done quickly yet can be very frustrating. Trying to chase down a musty odor is not easy. It’s a restoration project that is crucial to you enjoying your home.
A smelly basement is not just an odor problem; it usually indicates something more severe is going on. What you are smelling could be just damp materials, but it could also be black mold in Philadelphia, PA growing, and the off-gassing of that process. This isn’t pleasant nor healthy.
There are several steps you, as a homeowner, can take to help fix this issue.

Step #1
Doing some simple cleaning can accomplish quite a bit. Keeping things clean – and dry – is key to curbing the smells that can come from a basement. Take the time to inspect all the materials in your basement and get water damage cleanup in Philadelphia, PA.
Most likely, these items that could have odor issues are porous materials, such as clothing, bedding, and similar items. Have your carpet cleaned professionally, if there is carpet in the basement. Using a home carpet cleaning machine might actually do more damage than good. Hire a pro.

Step #2
Look at the sources of potential musty odors. Windows that are drafty, walls the seep in water, anything that can create odors should be inspected and addressed. Remember that musty smells usually come from water in basement in Philadelphia, PA.

Step #3
Although you may think that your basement is nice and dry, it might not be. The only way is to monitor the humidity level. You can do this with a hand-held device, the type your restoration pros use, but that may not be practical for you. Those devices can be very expensive.
Better yet is to set up a dehumidifier that has that information on it with its display. This way, you can run the dehumidifier as needed to keep the humidity at the level you want it to be. The lower the humidity, the less you should experience musty odors in the basement.
And the absolute best way to know if those musty smells from the basement are due to water intrusion, or other restoration issues, and what to do about them, is to consult with your favorite water damage professionals.

After all, it pays to call a water damage in Philadelphia, PA company!

Prepare for Spring Flooding

3/19/2023

At the end of every winter, we might forget about the previous spring rains and subsequent flooding that might have occurred in the area.

But when unrelenting rain starts to fall, one thing you don’t want to experience is regret in not being prepared, whether it is from leaks related to your roofing, windows, or the possibility of a flooded basement in Bensalem, PA.

While those might seem like minor issues, when they happen to you, they quickly move up to disastrous. Making sure your home is safe, secure, and devices like your sump pump (if you have a basement) are in good condition.

But when heavy rains hit your area, and flooding is a possibility, the website ready.gov has some great advice for your preparedness plan.

Make a plan

This is important to do in advance, as when an emergency strikes you will be in panic mode. Have a discussion with family members, about what you will do, where you will go, where you might meet up if separated and mobile phones are not working.

Be sure to discuss your pets as well and have a plan for them. Human life is invaluable, and we feel the same way about our pets.

Have a written list of important phone numbers in case your cell phone loses charge or isn’t functioning.

Build a ‘go-kit’

Have the necessities in a backpack or other easy-to-grab bag. Necessities include documents, such as birth certificates, passports, legal documents, and other papers you should not lose. Having some cash is important in the event credit cards can’t be used.

Clothing, medications, and other necessities should also be in your ‘go-kit’ supplies.

Basically, think about what you simply can’t go without for several days if you have to be out of your home.

Check your insurance policy

Now is the time to make sure you have coverage for natural disasters that might strike your home. Don’t assume. Ask your insurance agent and make sure you have it spelled out clearly in your policy. Not all natural events are covered by regular homeowner policies.

But if the unthinkable does happen to your home, and it becomes damaged by any disaster event, do the right thing and get it all fixed quickly — and safely. Doing the cleanup yourself can expose you to future potential hazards. Call your favorite water damage cleanup in Bensalem, PA company. After all, it pays to call a pro!

What the EPA Says About MOLD

3/13/2023

When the United States Environmental Protection Agency, or EPA, speaks… most of us listen.

And the EPA has much to say about mold, which can affect health in minor, irritating ways (slight respiratory issues) to severe life-threatening reactions, resulting in medical care and the unthinkable.

Here are the edited highlights from the EPA.gov site, along with our own thoughts, that all households should consider. Of course, the EPA recommends that everyone should fix plumbing leaks, water intrusion issues, and keep all interior surfaces clean and dry at all times. If you do this, mold should not be an issue. But if it happens, here are some tips.

Mold cleanup

Who should do the cleanup? There are a number of factors. First, consider the size of the mold damage in Philadelphia, PA. If less than 10 square feet, you may be able to handle the mold cleaning in Philadelphia, PA yourself. However, with water damage in Philadelphia, PA and mold growth more than 10 feet, consult an expert. And there is no way to know 100% if even a small amount of black mold in Philadelphia, PA could have an adverse health effect on you or those you care about.

HVAC and air conveyance systems

Don’t minimize the impact that mold can have in your ductwork or other air conveyance areas. Hidden mold may be out of sight, but it should be taken seriously. Slight musty odors should trigger an investigation. Get your duct work inspected immediately and have the work done by a professional.

Restrooms, shower stalls and more

Mold is normal in some areas, like in the corner of a shower stall. Don’t panic. Just clean it up. But if you need help, hire a mold damage cleanup in Philadelphia, PA company. A very small amount of mold is no doubt fresh and can be easily removed.

Hiring a pro

If you decide to contact and use a disaster restoration company or a mold removal service in Philadelphia, PA, be a smart consumer and check their references and credentials. There are many “companies” that claim to be experts in mold removal, but they are far from qualified. To get a proper mold test in Philadelphia, PA, you'll want a pro.

Do the right thing with mold. When you know you have it, you should know how to get rid of it. The easiest, best, and safest way is to let a disaster restoration, water damage, or mold remediation company do the work. After all, it pays to call a pro.

Mold in Unlikely Places

3/7/2023

Many people have a fear of mold and what it can do to your health, especially if you have sensitivities or allergies to mold spores. If you have mold, you'll need mold cleaning in Horsham, PA.

When you think of mold growth and contamination in your home, you assume it would apply to dark, damp basements that need basement cleanup in Horsham, PA, and what can occur after a burst pipe in Horsham, PA, or other water damage situation. And you would be right, most of the time.

But there are other issues that can come up that involve mold, and it doesn’t have to be in a dark basement or after a water damage in Horsham, PA event. If you have moisture, a food source, and especially dark conditions, mold can grow.

Your bedroom

As scary as it may sound, it’s true. Mold can grow on and even inside your mattress. As you sleep, you perspire, and that moisture can be all that mold needs to start to grow. While you can clean visible mold from the surface of your mattress, it is very difficult to get clean what is inside the mattress. A professional cleaning company may be able to help. But prevention is what you should concentrate on, and an appropriate mattress pad/cover will help. To see if you have mold, get a mold test in Horsham, PA.

Your bathroom

Common areas that can experience mold growth are around the base of toilets, shower stalls or bathtubs, and under sinks, such as in cabinet areas. It’s no surprise when you spot some mold in those areas. However, mold can also grow on cleaning supplies that haven’t been used in a few days, and even on toothbrushes such as those left unused because of a trip away. Anything you use that involves moisture (brushes, scrub pads, buckets) and especially stored in a dark place, be sure to clean and dry them completely.

Your kitchen

The kitchen is a mold playground, because of all the food sources combined with potential moisture. There are so many places mold can grow they can’t all be mentioned here, but obvious ones include inside and behind the refrigerator, under the sink, and in cabinets. Mold growth inside the refrigerator goes against logic that mold requires warmth – it is obviously not always true. Frequent inspections of dark areas where mold may grow unnoticed is important, such as under sinks and where there are pipes that can leak or simply have condensation on them.

If you do find mold, do the smart thing and call your favorite restoration company. After all, it pays to call a mold damage cleanup in Horsham, PA company!

When Bathrooms Flood in Philadelphia, PA

3/5/2023

It happens, and not at the most opportune time. You push the flusher, and then it all happens. The toilet overflows. You panic, you might scream…that’s just one simple issue, and with bathrooms there are many issues…. there is water damage in Philadelphia, PA.

A clogged toilet may overflow when flushed, or a water supply line leaks under a bathroom sink, or someone (possibly you) starts filling a bathtub and forgets—any of these can turn the water loose in the bathroom. Not a good scenario at all.
When this happens, it’s may seem it is all over, and you can’t fix what’s happening. However, there are some things you can do to fix some serious issues before you need to call for flood cleanup in Philadelphia, PA.

Control the flow
It may be a simple concept, yet when you can’t find the shut-off valve, panic can attack. Don’t delay – look for the shut off values now and be ready for what’s going to happen eventually. Minimize the amount of water damage cleanup in Philadelphia, PA needed.

Watch the electricity
Where there is water, and electricity, there is danger. Mark your power supply so you can find the breaker that turns off the power to your bathroom.

Start mopping or extracting
Standing water is not a good thing. While a fresh leak is one thing, if given time that water can start to seep into areas that can create costly damage. With the first inclination of water intrusion, start extracting.

Of course, the best thing is to call your favorite emergency cleanup in Philadelphia, PA company. After all, it pays to call a pro!

Evidence of Water Damage

3/2/2023

When something fails, such as a high-pressure fresh water source to your toilet… or perhaps a broken pipes in Bensalem, PA underneath the kitchen sink… no matter what it may be, you usually know what to do.

You know the drill… clean it up, get it dry, and call an emergency cleanup in Bensalem, PA company to ensure all is good and there is no possible way mold damage in Bensalem, PA can grow. You want peace of mind, and this is the way to get it.

However, sometimes you just don’t know when things happen, when things leak or when water damage in Bensalem, PA occurs — because it can be slowly invasive and build up over time.
There are several steps to determining if you have an actual water damage situation and when you must call a pro — and when you can do it yourself. Remember, you can’t be too cautious with the well-being of your loved ones.

The nose knows
Damp and wet areas affected by water intrusion demonstrate themselves after a day or two with a very easy to detect odor. It will just smell wet, musty, and unhealthy. If you detect anything like that, it’s time to do some serious investigating. You may not actually see the water intrusion, but no doubt it is probably there. You will need water damage cleanup in Bensalem, PA.

Surface damage
You can often see swelling materials, such as the particle board under a sink, providing evidence of water in basement in Bensalem, PA. When things buckle, even if you notice it after the surface has dried, there is potential of subsequent water damage, because if it leaked once… it will again!

Stains
You can usually see this in the ceilings and areas around water sources. Sometimes it is around windows. If you detect water marks (think of a carpet under a water fountain in a building) then you need to put your investigative hat on and figure out if it is a big deal or not — and most likely, it will be a big deal.

The evidence of water damage can be easy to see, and sometimes it hides and continues to affect surfaces and your health until it becomes a serious issue. If you have any water damage issues or questions, do the right thing. Call your favorite water damage professional company today. After all, it pays to call a pro!

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