Blog Archives

Evidence of Water Damage in Bensalem, PA

12/29/2023

(Serving Philadelphia PA, Bensalem PA, Cherry Hill NJ, Cinnaminson NJ, Deptford NJ, Horsham PA, Huntingdon Valley PA, Levittown PA, Pennsauken, NJ, Southampton PA, Trenton NJ, Voorhees NJ, Warminster PA, Willow Grove PA)

When something fails, such as a high-pressure fresh water source to your toilet… or perhaps a pipe leak 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 a professional water damage restoration company in Bensalem, PA to ensure all is good and there is no possible way mold 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 intrusion occurs — because it can be slowly invasive and build up over time.
There are several steps to determining if you need water damage cleanup in Bensalem, PA. 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 smell basement Bensalem, PA, and unhealthy. If you detect anything like that, it’s time to do some serious investigating. You may need water damage mitigation in Bensalem, PA.

Surface damage
You can often see swelling materials, such as the particle board under a sink, providing evidence of water intrusion. When things buckle, even if you notice it after the surface has dried, there is potential need to clean up water damage in Bensalem, PA, 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!

Disaster Assistance in Philadelphia, PA

12/27/2023

(Serving Philadelphia PA, Bensalem PA, Cherry Hill NJ, Cinnaminson NJ, Deptford NJ, Horsham PA, Huntingdon Valley PA, Levittown PA, Pennsauken, NJ, Southampton PA, Trenton NJ, Voorhees NJ, Warminster PA, Willow Grove PA)

When something happens to your home, something that damages it, you have one thought in mind: What you can do to fix it and repair it so you can get on with your lives.

That damage can come from many sources. It can be a tree falling onto your roof. It can be water seeping into the basement - clean up water in basement in Philadelphia, PA. It can be water gushing from a broken pipe. It can be from a failed sump pump. It can even be more catastrophic, such as from high winds or even a hurricane, if you live in parts of the country that are subject to those types of storms.

When any of these issues occur, someone has to pay for the repairs. That’s where professional mold removal in Philadelphia, PA companies come to the rescue. They have the know-how and expert skills to fix any issues that arise from disaster restoration situations.

But again… someone has to pay…

You might be thinking that your homeowner’s insurance plan will cover any disasters that might occur. The typical insurance plan does cover most issues — but not all. Some of them do not cover specific types of flooding situations. If a pipe outside your home, such as an outside spigot, were to break and flood your home, that may not be covered. Every policy is somewhat different.

It’s smart — in advance — to discuss with your insurance agent about what is covered and what is not, and to get a handle on your deductible, as you are responsible for that in the event of a loss.

When insurance fails…

Unless you have a pretty healthy balance in your checking account, you may be looking for some assistance if your homeowner’s policy comes up short. Besides the obvious use of credit cards to pay for work on your home, there is government assistance you can use for help.

The U.S. Small Business Administration is the answer for many people. And not just those who own businesses. The SBA has money to loan to homeowners as well, those who find themselves in a situation where they need money to do necessary and significant repairs to their homes. The SBA has disaster loan application forms online that you can find with a simple online search.

As with all disaster restoration situations, it’s always smart to get the best help available. Do the right thing and call your favorite disaster restoration company. After all, it pays to call a professional water damage restoration company in Philadelphia, PA!

How Dangerous is Mold in Your Home in Philadelphia, PA?

12/24/2023

(Serving Philadelphia PA, Bensalem PA, Cherry Hill NJ, Cinnaminson NJ, Deptford NJ, Horsham PA, Huntingdon Valley PA, Levittown PA, Pennsauken, NJ, Southampton PA, Trenton NJ, Voorhees NJ, Warminster PA, Willow Grove PA)

Everyone wants the safest, healthiest home environment for their families. You would do anything to protect your loved ones from exposure to black mold in Philadelphia, PA.

One of those feared substances is “mold” and with what you have seen in the news in recent years, exposure to harmful or “toxic” mold has affected the health of countless people — folks just like you.

This brings up the all-important question: Just exactly how dangerous is mold damage in Philadelphia, PA?

That’s a tricky question, because there are many types of mold and mold is virtually everywhere. There is probably a little bit in your basement right now. Your shoes when you came home yesterday no doubt brought in a few mold spores. Mold spores can be in breathable space and travel in the air.

When you step outside, you are surrounded by mold. There’s nothing you can do about that. The main concern is usually what’s in the home, not outside, although if you are sensitive to mold you should avoid all damp areas and water damage in Philadelphia, PA that could promote mold growth, inside and out.

Some people are affected by even the smallest amounts of mold. They may have nasal issues, watery eyes, coughing and other physical reactions. A smaller segment of the population are very sensitive to exposure to mold, having severe reactions that can be life threatening. Others aren’t affected at all, and can be around and/or exposure to all types of molds with no apparent sensitivities.

The CDC has plenty of information for those concerned with mold in homes. One of the issues they raise is keeping moisture out of homes. “Mold will grow in places with a lot of moisture, such as around leaks in roofs, windows, or pipes, or where there has been a flooded basement in Philadelphia, PA,” according to the CDC government website.

The issue is twofold if mold is growing in your home. You must clean it up or have mold damage cleanup in Philadelphia, PA, and you must fix the moisture problem. You can do your research on how to fix the problem, but the best solution is, no doubt, getting expert advice from your professional water damage cleanup in Philadelphia, PA company. Keep your family safe. Call the experts.

What the EPA Says About Mold in Philadelphia, PA

12/22/2023

(Serving Philadelphia PA, Bensalem PA, Cherry Hill NJ, Cinnaminson NJ, Deptford NJ, Horsham PA, Huntingdon Valley PA, Levittown PA, Pennsauken, NJ, Southampton PA, Trenton NJ, Voorhees NJ, Warminster PA, Willow Grove PA)

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

And the EPA has much to say about mold removal in Philadelphia, PA, 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 - flood cleanup in Philadelphia, PA, 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 problem - mold testing in Philadelphia, PA. If less than 10 square feet, you may be able to handle the cleanup yourself. However, with water damage repairs 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 mold 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 flood damage cleanup in Philadelphia, PA company.

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 pro. 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, 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.

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 mold remediation in Philadelphia, PA pro.

Leaks Happen - Be Ready in Philadelphia, PA

12/22/2023

(Serving Philadelphia PA, Bensalem PA, Cherry Hill NJ, Cinnaminson NJ, Deptford NJ, Horsham PA, Huntingdon Valley PA, Levittown PA, Pennsauken, NJ, Southampton PA, Trenton NJ, Voorhees NJ, Warminster PA, Willow Grove PA)

You know the normal sounds your home makes.

The air conditioner kicking on as the dog days of summer begin. The heating system starting up on a cold, winter evening. The creak of a loose floorboard as someone rises early in the morning.

What you don’t normally hear — and you do not want to hear — are the sounds of spraying water from a broken pipe clean up water damage in Philadelphia, PA or hose, or a malfunctioning hot water tank or water filter system. Even worse is when this happens when you aren’t home and upon arrival you wade through inches of water on the floor, clean up water in basement in Philadelphia, PA or duck from the dripping water from an upstairs leak.

When you need water damage cleanup in Philadelphia, PA (and statistics say water damage claims are among the highest with insurance companies) you need to act quickly. The #1 concern is to think “safety first.” Before entering into any areas of the home that are damaged clean up mold in crawlspace in Philadelphia, PA from flood waters, be sure that the power is turned off. Nothing is worth getting an electrical shock!

Next, find the water turn-off valve and stop the flooding. Many homeowners aren’t sure where the water turn-off valve is located. Now is the time to figure that out, and even put a tag on it so it is easy to find, especially in the dark or in the beam of a flashlight. Don’t delay… find that valve and mark it!

It’s always best to be prepared. Contact your basement mold cleanup in Philadelphia, PA contractor and get the info you need to be safe… just in case.

How to Avoid a Moldy Basement in Levittown, PA

12/20/2023

(Serving Philadelphia PA, Bensalem PA, Cherry Hill NJ, Cinnaminson NJ, Deptford NJ, Horsham PA, Huntingdon Valley PA, Levittown PA, Pennsauken, NJ, Southampton PA, Trenton NJ, Voorhees NJ, Warminster PA, Willow Grove PA)

(Serving Philadelphia PA, Bensalem PA, Cherry Hill NJ, Cinnaminson NJ, Deptford NJ, Horsham PA, Huntingdon Valley PA, Levittown PA, Pennsauken, NJ, Southampton PA, Trenton NJ, Voorhees NJ, Warminster PA, Willow Grove PA)

There are many types of mold that can be found in a home, whether the problem is caused by faulty construction, water damage, leaky plumbing, or other issues - mold testing in Levittown, PA.

But what some people report is, despite no evident water damage or plumbing situations, no heavy rains, to name a few issues, they still get mold in their basements, often on the inside of their exterior block walls - water damage restoration in Levittown, PA.

Nobody wants that. Mold can be dangerous to people who have exposure sensitivities to it.

What can you do to avoid a moldy basement problem? There are several simple steps and procedures…

Know your numbers
It’s important to understand humidity and monitor those moisture levels in your home. A simple hygrometer you can buy online or in a retail store gives you this information, as easy as a thermometer tells you the temperature.

Use a dehumidifier
Basements are known to be humid and damp, even with no evident moisture intrusion issues - musty smell basement in Levittown, PA. A dehumidifier can remove many pints of water from the air each day. You can choose one that you have to dump the water from on a schedule, or have it drain automatically into a floor drain or sump pump. You will be amazed how much water you can remove and keep mold at bay with a dehumidifier.

Use exhaust fans
Simple fans can be installed that move moisture-laden air from the inside to the outside, like you would do with a bathroom exhaust fan. This might be a chore for the pros, so have them take a look at your home and see what options they might offer.

Inspect outside drainage
One issue that is common is moisture building up on the outside of block walls, and this moisture can seep into the interior walls of those blocks, adding too much humidity in the basement. Ensure all ground water flows away from your home and doesn’t puddle up against the walls.

This advice is for common issues. But if the worst happens, such as a broken pipe or water flooding into your home, now you are into a serious issue. Do the right thing and call your water damage restoration company today. After all, it pays to call a water damage restoration company in Levittown, PA!

It's Not 'Just The Carpet' in Southampton, PA

12/18/2023

(Serving Philadelphia PA, Bensalem PA, Cherry Hill NJ, Cinnaminson NJ, Deptford NJ, Horsham PA, Huntingdon Valley PA, Levittown PA, Pennsauken, NJ, Southampton PA, Trenton NJ, Voorhees NJ, Warminster PA, Willow Grove PA)

Many water damage restoration company in Southampton, PA have been called by good people just like you who need help “just sucking up the water from the carpet.”

This can be water from an overflowing sink, toilet, maybe a washing machine that got a little ambitious during the spin cycle… or it could be from something more serious, like a burst pipe dryout in Southampton, PA or roof damage from a storm.

No matter what, some homeowners only see and think about the squishy carpet and don’t know about all those other areas in the home where water has affected it.

That kind of thinking can get you into a lot of trouble.

While water can just damage the carpet, it usually goes other places as well… such as down the register vents into floors below, behind baseboards and then under the walls and then up the drywall, into other rooms, under furniture that you never move, and into all kinds of other areas. It can also get into wood floors you thought were watertight, creating all kinds of very expensive problems if you don’t get it all dried out quick.

Sucking up the water is just part of the job. Detecting where the moisture really went is important, as well as using professional tools and drying equipment to reach those areas and get them like they were before — bone dry, and safe for your family before you need house mold removal in Southampton, PA.

Calling your water damage pro immediately and then listening to his expert advice is something smart consumers (just like you) must do when water causes damage to your home. If you wait too long, you invite a host of difficulties, such as mold and odors that are challenging to remove.

Remember, it’s not “just the carpet” — it can be other areas of your home as well. Don’t take a chance. Call your water damage restoration in Southampton, PA pro.

Keep Mold at Bay in Fort Washington, PA

12/15/2023

(Serving Philadelphia PA, Bensalem PA, Cherry Hill NJ, Cinnaminson NJ, Deptford NJ, Horsham PA, Huntingdon Valley PA, Levittown PA, Pennsauken, NJ, Southampton PA, Trenton NJ, Voorhees NJ, Warminster PA, Willow Grove PA)

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recognizes how water damage in Fort Washington, PA situations (such as from a flood, leaky or burst pipe in Fort Washington, PA, sewage backup, etc) can be potentially hazardous… not just initially, but over time as well.

Why? Because of the potential of mold damage in Fort Washington, PA and how it affects human health. Exposure to damp and moldy environments and materials can be especially harmful to those sensitive to irritants common to mold contamination. Some find that even being outside near plant life in the process of decomposition is a problem. Mold and mildew can run rampant under certain conditions, causing allergic reactions.

So when you find black mold in Fort Washington, PA in your home, don’t take chances. Mold needs moisture. It needs to be fed. It will grow on organic materials that are wet. If you take away its “food” you inhibit the ability of mold to grow.

Important reminders

Remember that mold will grow in places with a lot of moisture, anywhere there is a leak. This can be around windows, behind walls where water has intruded, from leaky roofs, and especially from leaky pipes – especially those that are leaking and you didn’t know about it!

Many homeowners are tempted to clean up water damage in Fort Washington, PA that comes into their home, such as when a sump pump might fail or when a toilet might overflow. Good intentions for sure. But if you don’t get it really dry, really fast, there can be problems.

Here’s a scary thought: Some professional water damage experts won’t even do a water removal job if they can’t get to it within 24 hours. They know mold could have started to grow and that means more work than simply extracting water and drying the home could be required.

You don’t want all that headache. When any water intrudes into your home, remember it’s more than water. It’s breeding ground for mold. Do what’s best. Call your emergency cleanup in Fort Washington, PA company!

Mold in Unlikely Places in Philadelphia, PA

12/13/2023

(Serving Philadelphia PA, Bensalem PA, Cherry Hill NJ, Cinnaminson NJ, Deptford NJ, Horsham PA, Huntingdon Valley PA, Levittown PA, Pennsauken, NJ, Southampton PA, Trenton NJ, Voorhees NJ, Warminster PA, Willow Grove PA)

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, mold testing in Philadelphia, PA.

When you think of mold growth and contamination in your home, you assume it would apply to dark, damp flooded basement cleanup in Philadelphia, PA and what can occur after a burst pipe cleanup in Philadelphia, 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 cleanup in Philadelphia, 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 black mold testing in Philadelphia, PA company may be able to help. But prevention is what you should concentrate on, and an appropriate mattress pad/cover will help.

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 clean up flood in Philadelphia, PA (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 water damage mitigation in Philadelphia, PA pro!

Sump Pump Misery in Philadelphia, PA

12/11/2023

(Serving Philadelphia PA, Bensalem PA, Cherry Hill NJ, Cinnaminson NJ, Deptford NJ, Horsham PA, Huntingdon Valley PA, Levittown PA, Pennsauken, NJ, Southampton PA, Trenton NJ, Voorhees NJ, Warminster PA, Willow Grove PA)

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 - flooded basement cleanup in Philadelphia, PA.

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 and you need emergency cleanup in Philadelphia, 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 - flood damage cleanup in Philadelphia, PA.

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 water damage restoration company in Philadelphia, PA!

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