What To Do If Your Water Heater Is Making Noises

3/12/2023 (Permalink)

If your water heater is making noises, it is important to act quickly to prevent any further damage.

A water heater is an important appliance that provides hot water for a variety of household needs, including washing dishes, doing laundry, and taking showers. However, if you start hearing strange noises coming from your water heater, it can be cause for concern. In this blog post, we will discuss what to do when your water heater is making noises.

Step 1: Determine the Type of Noise

The first step in addressing a noisy water heater is to determine the type of noise you are hearing. Is it a rumbling or popping sound? Is it a hissing or whistling sound? The type of noise can help identify the source of the problem.

Rumbling or popping sounds are often caused by sediment buildup in the tank. This can lead to overheating and damage to the tank if left unchecked. Hissing or whistling sounds, on the other hand, may indicate a leak in the tank or a malfunctioning pressure relief valve.

Step 2: Turn Off the Water Heater

Once you have identified the type of noise, the next step is to turn off the water heater. This will prevent any further damage from occurring and ensure your safety while you investigate the problem.

Step 3: Inspect the Tank

Carefully inspect the tank for any signs of damage or leaks. If you notice any cracks or leaks, you will need to call a professional plumber to repair or replace the water heater.

If you don't see any visible signs of damage, you may need to flush the tank to remove sediment buildup. To do this, turn off the water supply to the tank and attach a hose to the drain valve at the bottom of the tank. Open the valve and let the water drain out until it runs clear.

Step 4: Check the Pressure Relief Valve

If the noise is caused by a malfunctioning pressure relief valve, you will need to check the valve and replace it if necessary. To do this, turn off the power and water supply to the tank and remove the valve. Inspect it for any signs of damage or debris, and replace it if necessary.

Step 5: Call a Professional

If you are unsure about what is causing the noise or if you are uncomfortable performing any of the above steps, it is best to call a professional plumber. They can diagnose the problem and recommend the best course of action to repair or replace the water heater.

In conclusion, if your water heater is making noises, it is important to act quickly to prevent any further damage and ensure your safety. Determine the type of noise, turn off the water heater, inspect the tank, check the pressure relief valve, and call a professional if necessary. By following these steps, you can keep your water heater running smoothly and avoid any costly repairs or replacements.

How to Find Your Home's Main Water Shut-Off Valve

2/28/2023 (Permalink)

A main water shut-off valve is a crucial piece of equipment that can be the difference between a complete disaster and a relatively easy cleanup.

A main water shut-off valve is a crucial piece of equipment that can be the difference between a complete disaster and a relatively easy cleanup. While you should always keep emergency contact numbers near your phone, knowing where your main water shut-off is located in case of an emergency can help save time, money, and stress.

Find the water shut-off valve inside your home

After discovering a leak, the first thing you should do is locate and shut off the main water valve in your home. The water shut-off valve is typically located on the perimeter of your home, usually in a basement, garage, or utility room. Remember, shutting off this valve will cut off the water to the entire house.

Shut off the water close to the source

Toilets, sinks, washing machines, and dishwashers are all common places for leaks to occur. If any of these appliances spring a leak or become otherwise damaged or broken, it would be in your best interest to shut off their corresponding water valves as soon as possible. Here is where you should look for a shut-off valve:

Sink - The shut-off valve is usually right under the sink, attached to the wall.

Toilet - Look underneath your toilet or against the wall behind your toilet to locate the shut-off valves.

Washing Machine - The shut-off valves are most often located behind the washing machine. They are either clearly visible on the wall. If not, you will need to slide the washing machine out from its position to locate the valves.

The shut-off valves should all be easy to find and access. It should also be simple enough for you—or anyone else who might need access—to turn them on their own without much effort.

Find the water shut-off valve outside your home

The next step is to locate the main water shut-off valve outside your home. It will usually be located where your property meets the street or sidewalk and is often marked by a metal or plastic utility box. If you can't find this box on your own, you can contact your local plumber or water cleanup professional to get more information about locating it. Once you've found it, open the lid of this box, and turn the valve.

Locating the water shut-off valve is important

The first step to knowing how to find your home's main water shut-off valve is to know what areas to look in. If there’s an emergency, like a burst pipe or flooding in the basement, you'll want to know where this valve is located so that you can turn off the water supply until repair crews arrive.

The water shut-off valve is one of the most important items you should have in your home. It's easy to find, but make sure that you know where it is and how to use it so that you can turn off your water if there's an emergency. The water shut-off valve can be located inside or outside your home.

Your Home's Most Vulnerable Areas

1/18/2023 (Permalink)

If you have ever wondered what makes up a home's most vulnerable areas during a storm, then keep reading!

The weather can be very unpredictable. In fact, it's because of this unpredictability that we need to know how to handle ourselves accordingly during storms. One of the best ways to do this is by making sure your home has all the necessary components in place in order to withstand any size storm. If you have ever wondered what makes up a home's most vulnerable areas during a storm, then keep reading!

Roof

Roofs are the most vulnerable areas in a home during storms. They have the largest exposure to wind and precipitation, which can lead to significant damage if not properly protected before and repaired after a storm.

The most common roof damage is from shingles to blow off and for the roof to leak. This is due to the fact that roofing materials are not waterproof, so when they are exposed to high winds and heavy downpours, they can easily be damaged.

Roofs also need to be properly insulated and ventilated, as well as properly drained. Insulation helps keep heat inside the home during cold temperatures, while ventilation allows airflow so that moisture does not build up. The roof should be sealed from the outside environment to prevent moisture from entering through cracks or holes in the structure.

Siding

Siding is the exterior covering of a home. It usually covers walls and the parts of your roof that are visible from the ground. Siding can be made of wood, vinyl, fiber cement, or aluminum. These materials are susceptible to damage from strong winds and high water levels during storms.

Windows

Your home’s windows are incredibly vulnerable areas during a storm. Windows are susceptible to damage from wind and flying debris, as well as water damage if they leak. Check your windows for signs of wear and tear. Are they leaking? Do the seals around the frames look worn out? If so, it may be time to replace them with new ones! Replace cracked or missing panes with required safety glazing material(s), such as laminated glass or tempered glass (this is recommended by code officials in many jurisdictions).

Soffits and Gutters

Soffits and guttering are the most vulnerable areas of a home after a storm. If they're damaged, they can cause water to leak into your walls. You should inspect your soffits and gutters regularly for any signs of damage or wear, such as rusting or crumbling around the edges. This is especially important if you live in an area prone to storms.

Doors and Door Frames

A door and its frame are the weakest areas of your home. In fact, they're one of the first things to break in a storm, which can lead to water infiltration and subsequent damage to your interior walls and flooring. When a storm hits, you should take extra precautions by securing your doors with a wedge or bar in order to keep them from blowing open.

If you’re planning on staying at home during the storm, it’s a good idea to know what parts of your house are most vulnerable. If your Denver home is damaged by a storm, SERVPRO of Denver East is here to help you get back to normal!

3 Signs You Need Mold Remediation

12/16/2022 (Permalink)

Water damage can lead to mold growth if not treated quickly.

Mold can be a big problem. If you see signs of mold in your home, it's best to get it taken care of as soon as possible. Unfortunately, most people don't know what to look for when they notice a potential mold issue. So how do you know if you need mold remediation? Here are some common signs that may indicate your property has become infested with mold:

1. Strange Smells

If you notice a musty odor in your home, it could be the result of mold. Mold can grow almost anywhere and often has an earthy smell. You may also notice that the smell gets stronger when it's humid outside. If you've noticed a damp or musty odor coming from your basement or bathroom, this could be an indication that something is growing on your walls or ceiling (or both).

2. Recent Water Damage

If you have water damage from a flood or a leak, whether it’s a full-blown flood or just some water collecting on your floor, that could be an indication that mold is growing in your home. The severity of the problem will determine whether or not you need mold remediation.

If you have only one small area of moisture buildup, then there are likely no worries about mold developing. But if you have an entire room filled with standing water, then there's cause for concern.

3. Change in Color

Mold can be a wide variety of colors, ranging from green to brown and black. If you notice that your walls are changing color or are becoming darker than they used to be, this may be a sign that mold is present.

Did you recently find mold on your property?

Mold can appear in a variety of ways, including on the surface of materials or hidden behind walls, in the attic, or even in the basement. It is often difficult to spot and can be tough to identify when it’s growing inside your Glendale, CO home. 

Is the problem spreading?

If you've discovered mold in your home, it's important to be aware that it can spread quickly. Mold spores are microscopic and can travel through the air. If mold is growing somewhere in your home, it might be spreading to other areas. Mold spores are small enough to carry around on clothing or shoes; so even though you didn’t go anywhere near where there was visible mold growth before discovering black spots on some items in your closet, there's still a chance those black spots come from something lurking within an unwelcoming corner of some other part of your home!

The best way to prevent this from occurring is by hiring a professional for remediation services as soon as possible after discovering signs of mold growth.

Even small mold problems can become big ones.

Mold is a common problem in humid environments, like bathrooms, kitchens, and laundry rooms. And while it may seem like a small problem at first, it can easily become a big one. Not only does mold cause health problems for you and your family, but if left untreated it can spread quickly throughout your home.

If you see any signs of mold on the walls or floorboards of your home – especially if they smell musty – contact a professional right away. Don't wait until the situation becomes worse!

Reasons Why Your Dishwasher Might Be Leaking

11/14/2022 (Permalink)

If you dishwasher is leaking you need to fix it right away.

Leaking Dishwasher

When your dishwasher is leaking, it can be an annoying experience. It can also be very frustrating. You want to get your dishwasher back up and running again so that you can use it. However, sometimes repairing a leaking dishwasher is not as simple as just replacing the part that needs to be replaced; there are a few other steps that you should take before making any repairs. Take this article with you as we walk through how to fix a leaking dishwasher step by step so that yours will no longer leak!

Overfilling and Detergent

Use the correct amount of detergent and don’t overfill your dishwasher. You should only fill the detergent spot to about one-third of its capacity. You also want to make sure that you don’t put too many dishes in at once. It may also help to make sure that you have used a rinse aid.

Clogged Vent and Drain Paths

You might also have a clogged vent and drain path. This can be caused by a clogged dishwasher drain line, which is often caused by food debris that gets stuck in the hose and then blocks it up. Also, if you don’t clean out your dishwasher regularly, eventually the food debris will build up and cause a blockage.

You can check this by removing the bottom panel of your dishwasher (the one with all of those wheels on it) to see if there is any blockage there. If you find some food debris inside, remove it with tweezers or needle nose pliers before running another cycle without any dishes inside — this will allow all of that water from rinsing to drain properly so that your dishwasher won’t flood again later on down the road!

Clogged Spray Arm Holes

The next thing to check is the spray arm. It may have become clogged with food or other debris, preventing water from reaching it. If your dishwasher does not have a removable spray arm, you will need to replace the entire dishwasher if this is the problem.

If you are able to remove the spray arm, inspect it for any signs of clogs or damage and clean it as necessary before reinstalling it into your machine.

Loose/Worn Gasket/Seals

The first thing to check is the gasket around your dishwasher door. If it's torn or worn, you'll want to replace it with a new one. Make sure that all of your seals are intact and not torn or stretched out in any way- this can make them unable to properly seal against water pressure, which will cause leaks. Check that the drain hose isn't clogged with debris or food particles as well; if so, clean out any debris using warm water and soap before using your machine again.

Loose Supply Line Connection

If you're one of the lucky ones and your dishwasher is still under warranty, you might be able to get it fixed for free. If not, then you'll have to pay for repairs yourself. In that case, here are some tips on how to prevent this problem from happening again:

• Check the supply line connection periodically for looseness. If it's loose, tighten it with pliers or an adjustable wrench until all play is gone from the connection.
• Replace worn-out gaskets around your faucet (the threaded ring under your handle). These gaskets can wear out over time and cause leaks in your supply lines and elsewhere in your sink as well!

In order to ensure that the leak doesn't get any worse, turn off the water supply before doing anything else. Then, remove all items from inside of it so that they won’t be damaged by water or other debris while you work on fixing it (also make sure they are dry before storing them). If there are any tools in your dishwasher that may cause injury if they fall out accidentally (like a knife), move them outside of its working space so that they aren’t accidentally activated when opening up the door or removing items from inside it later on down below once everything has been repaired successfully too!

We hope you learned a new thing or two about dishwasher leaks, and that you can now identify the problem! Weeny our dishwasher overflows and floods your kitchen, give SERVPRO of Denver East & Southwest a call, and we will get your Denver, CO home back to normal as soon as possible!

Creating an Office Fire Escape Plan

10/7/2022 (Permalink)

You must have a fire escape plan for every employee and visitor in the building.

Creating a Fire Escape Plan For Your Workplace

When it comes to fire safety, there are many things you should do. You need to check smoke alarms and practice your fire drill twice a year—and that's just a start. One of the most important steps you can take is creating an emergency escape plan and practicing it with all employees at least twice a year. Here are some tips for creating a fire escape plan for your workplace:

Create a Plan Before the Emergency 

Creating a fire escape plan should be done before you have an emergency. If you wait until there's a fire, it will be much more difficult to come up with the best way to get everyone out safely. A good plan is simple and practical, so everyone can follow it easily in an emergency situation. You should also make sure that all employees know about your plan and practice using it regularly, so they'll know what to do when they need to use it.

Your fire escape plan should include:?

• A diagram of all exits from the building or room you're in (how many doors are there? Where do they lead?)
• A list of items that could block those exits (furniture or equipment) and how these things will be moved aside before fleeing through them (if possible)
• Directions for escaping through each exit by floor level if necessary (for example: "Go down one flight of stairs and exit at the end of this hallway")

Designate a Meeting Place Outside

You should be prepared to meet outside. Go outside and move at least 100 feet away from the building. If there is smoke or fire in the stairwell, go back up to your office and wait until help arrives.

Test Smoke Alarms Monthly

Test and check your smoke alarms monthly. Smoke alarms should be tested by pressing the test button on the unit at least once a month. If it goes off, make sure that it's working properly and replace it if needed. If you are in a building with multiple floors, check all smoke alarms on each level of the building to make sure they're working properly and not sounding false alarms when there isn't a fire (for example, if you've been cooking something particularly smoky).

Practice your fire drill twice a year and include all your employees.

You should practice your fire drill twice a year, including all employees. If you have more than one location, it is important to have them coordinated so that they are as close to the same time as possible.

In addition to practicing the actual fire escape plan, make sure that everyone knows where the nearest exit doors are located in case there is an emergency and they need to evacuate immediately in their offices or conference rooms.

An effective escape plan can save lives in an emergency, like a fire in your business. You must have a fire escape plan for every employee and visitor in the building. Having this information available can help you make decisions about how best to handle emergencies and what to do if you are trapped by flames or smoke.

We hope that by reading this article, you have learned how to create an effective fire escape plan for your Denver home. By following these steps and setting up a regular practice schedule with your employees, you can make sure that everyone is prepared for an emergency situation.

When your business catches on fire, SERVPRO of Denver East & Southwest is here to help. Give us a call!

Overhaul Your Company's Layout for Fire Safety

8/31/2022 (Permalink)

Check your fire extinguishers

Take Fire Prevention Measures Seriously

Every responsible company takes fire prevention measures seriously. Besides the element of danger, fire damage of any size has the potential to trigger the inconvenient expense of a commercial fire restoration service. Have you arranged your workspace in North Park Hill, CO, so that the odds of a terror-causing blaze have been minimized?

Check Building Safety Equipment
Your first step is to examine every fire safety element already in place. Thoroughly inspect:

• Fire extinguishers
• Emergency lighting
• Sprinkler systems
• Smoke detectors
• Escape masks
• Flashlights
  
  
  

If you remain uncertain as to whether you possess everything necessary for effectively handling a business fire, consult a preparation expert.

Deploy Building Safety Layouts
Many fire prevention measures exist outside of those requiring intense structural reconfiguration. Easy adjustments can be made. For instance, place trash receptacles where blazes are less likely to occur and empty them regularly to prevent flammable overflow. Coffee machines and computers are another easily secured hazard. Adjust their placement so ample space prevents heat from accumulating and causing materials like napkins and notepaper to be set ablaze.
Because of the peril posed by inhalation, rearrange your office with an open design. Such layouts allow smoke to spread, thus reducing fire’s most significant danger. Replace synthetic materials, such as rugs, plastic wastebaskets and vinyl cubicle walls that emit excessive smoke and toxins when burning.
Smoking is a primary cause of unintended fires. Designate an outside space for employees to acquire their nicotine fixes and enforce this rule rigorously. Incentivize its use with an enclosed space that blocks the elements and keeps staffers warm while indulging.
Determine where flammables can most safely be stored. Scan for oily rags and gas cans, encouraging all staffers to report anything suspicious. It may seem unlikely, but arson is a reality.
An oft-neglected aspect of fire prevention is reevaluating your building’s layout. Make efforts to rethink yours and act upon whatever improvements can be made.

4 Stages of the Water Mitigation Process

8/26/2022 (Permalink)

Commercial water mitigation in Hampden, CO

The Following Will Be Done During Mitigation

If your Hampden, CO, building is damaged by water caused by a leak or broken pipe, you will need to go through the restoration process to return it to a safe condition. An important part of the process is mitigation which includes pipe burst cleanup and other steps taken to limit the damage before repairs can begin. 

1. Inspection
Before pipe burst cleanup can be done or any repairs can be made, the water damage remediation company will need to inspect the building. During the inspection, they will locate the source of the problem and determine what areas have suffered damage. Once this is done, they can figure out how to proceed.

2. Water Removal
The first step after the inspection will often be water cleanup. Any excess water will need to be removed from the building to prevent further damage. If allowed to sit too long, water can cause warping wood, rusting metal, and other problems.

3. Drying
Simply removing the excess water is usually not enough to prevent damage. Any moisture that remains can contribute to the growth of mold in your building and can weaken building materials. Dehumidifiers can be useful during this step to remove moisture present in the air as well. This will help prevent high humidity levels.

4. Cleanup
Once the water has been removed and the building has been dried, pipe burst cleanup can officially begin. During this stage, both the building and affected belongings will need to be cleaned. Surfaces will be scrubbed and disinfected. Items that can be salvaged will go through various types of cleaning, including dry cleaning and antibacterial treatments. Severely damaged items may need to be replaced instead.
A supply line leaking or a broken pipe can cause quite a bit of water damage. Having mitigation done as soon as possible will limit this damage and will reduce the amount of time and money that needs to be spent on repairs.

How To Differentiate Mold from Mildew

8/10/2022 (Permalink)

Mold growth in Glendale, CO

Do I Have Mold or Mildew In My Home?

When you come across possible mildew or mold damage in your Glendale, CO, home, you may be wondering which of the two problems you face. There are a few ways to tell the difference between these two forms of fungi. Here are three things you may want to know.

1. Depth of the Growth

One of the main ways to tell the difference between mildew growth and mold growth is how deep it goes. Mildew tends to grow on the surface, while mold tends to root into the substance it's feeding on. Because of this mold can cause actual damage if it’s allowed to remain.

2. Coloration

Another way to tell the difference between mildew and mold damage is the appearance of the fungi you are looking at. Mildew tends to be thinner in appearance and may range in color from gray to white with occasional yellow tones. Mold on the other hand may look slimy or fuzzy, and it has a full range of colors with gray, white, green, brown, orange, and even black tones.

3. Ease of Removal

As mentioned earlier mildew growth on the surface while mold roots beneath. This can affect the ease of removal. Many cleaners are designed to remove mildew with a spray-on wipe off formula. If you try this method and it fails, odds are you may be facing a mold problem instead. When this is the case it's highly recommended that you contact a local mold remediation service. These professionals will have the ability to remove the mold, clean the area, and then make repairs to any damages that may have been caused.

When determining if you have mildew or mold damage in your home, there are few ways you can check. One of the biggest differences is the depth of growth. You can also look at the coloration of the spores to determine which it may be. Finally, how easy it is to remove may be an indication of which species it is. If you do have mold it's highly recommended to contact a remediation service.

What to Do When Water Gets Into Light Fixtures

7/30/2022 (Permalink)

Have an electrician replace the flooded light fixture and flush out any remaining water from the conduits

Common Causes Of Water In Light Incidents

There's no doubt water and electricity make a lethal combination. If it happens, the result is a short circuit that can lead to electrocution or even a fire. These high stakes make it a professional-level problem that should never be attempted by an inexperienced DIYer. Here are some common causes of water in light incidents in Denver, CO:

• Leaking roof
• Flooding
• Pipe bursts
  
  

Switch off Power ASAP

Switch off power at the mains, as the first thing, when you notice water in the light. The last thing you want is to touch a light switch or any dripping water before turning off the electricity. Also, most utility systems have separate circuit breakers for lighting and wall sockets, but it's good practice to turn off the master switch to kill power in both of them.
Still, do not assume there is no electricity just because you flipped a switch. Double-check the sockets with a non-contact voltmeter, to be sure.

Turn off the Water

If the leak is coming from a plumbing accident, the next cause of action should be turning off the water supply from the main valve. That should stop the leak temporarily, reducing the risk of water damage and electric shock. Typically, the main valve lives somewhere inside the house, facing the street side. Turn it counterclockwise all the way to cut off the water supply.

Call it In

Next, call a licensed plumber and electrician to fix the issue. The plumber should be able to find and fix the leak efficiently. After that, get someone to repair the ceiling damage and fix any cosmetic issues. Then have an electrician replace the flooded light fixture and flush out any remaining water from the conduits.
That said, the general idea is never to test your DIY talents with a "water in light" situation. Instead, have a reputable restoration company handle it.