FAQ’s for Action

1. What can cause water damage?

Water damage can occur for a variety of reasons. Excess water in your home can come from natural disasters such as hurricanes or floods, as well as from pipes that burst or start to leak in your plumbing system. Household appliances can malfunction and cause water to pool in areas that might not be noticeable.

Septic tanks can overflow and cause raw sewage to spew into your crawlspace or home. When gutters and roof drains get backed up, the excess water can begin to cause serious damage. Bathtubs and shows that are poorly constructed or need the grout replaced can permit water to seep through onto the tile and create mold and other unwanted effects.

Some of the reasons why homes, dwellings, and businesses experience water damage include (but are not limited to):

Toilet overflows
Water heater leaking or breaking
Pipe bursts
Floods, heavy rains, and storm damage
Sprinkler breaks/busts
Fire damage

2. How can I prevent water damage?

Proper maintenance and care of your appliances can help ensure they don’t cause a water issue. If you have a septic tank, monthly inspections can allow you to notice if anything looks amiss. You can also teach everyone who lives in your home where the water supply cutoff valve is so they can turn it off in the event of an emergency.
Keep an eye on your water bill; a sudden increase one month may indicate a leaky pipe or other problem. Also, if you notice any foul odors or black spots (mold) on the walls, contact a water damage restoration company like The Water Damage Experts immediately.

3. Can water damage cause mold?

Water damage is the leading cause of mold growth. Mold, like other bacteria, animal or plant life, needs water to grow. Remove the moisture and water, and then you have stopped the mold from growing (not stopping the mold, just the continual growth).
It takes 3 main ways for mold to develop:

Moisture
Food source ( drywall , carpet, organic dust )
Warm temperatures

4. How does the water removal process work?

Extract as much water as possible.
Remove furniture from the affected area or put furniture on blocks.
Correctly take carpet from floors. If done incorrectly (not using professional techniques), the carpet will rip as well as ruin carpet seams.
Remove wet padding and dispose.
Extract as much water from the sub floor as possible.

5. What are some effects of water damage?

Water damage can result in several unwanted consequences, which may reduce the value of your home. Water will damage drywall, paint, and wallpaper, delaminate carpets, buckle and rot wood floors and lead to potential growth, if left unattended to.

6. Will insurance cover water damage?

Water damage coverage depends mostly on what the cause was Speak with your insurance agent to clarify what your policy does and does not cover. In the event of water damage, Case Construction will work directly with the insurance company to get the water damage restored as efficiently as possible.

7. How long will the restoration process take?

Because there are many variables and many services involved in fire and smoke restoration, it is difficult to predict exactly how long the complete restoration will take. Consult with your ServiceMaster Clean Restoration Manager on the estimated dates and phases of your restoration project.

8. Can I clean it myself?

We suggest that you do not attempt any “do-it-yourself” cleaning methods without consulting your ServiceMaster Clean Restoration Manager. Pre-testing, using the right cleaning agent for the particular item, mixing deodorizing agents with cleaning solutions and using correct dilution rates are just some of the ways a fire restoration technician expertly controls the results.
Professional cleaning systems and products used by experienced, trained ServiceMaster Clean Restoration Technicians give you the best chance for complete restoration of your belongings.
Answer (Action Blog)
You can use a home carpet cleaning system or rent a machine. Keep in mind that bleaching isn’t recommended as it can damage the back of the carpeting and the flooring underneath. It can also strip the color from the carpet fibers.
Carpet cleaning can be a ton of work, so you might want to consider hiring a professional team. This way, you can be confident that your carpet will be cleaned properly and thoroughly.
Action Restoration is a local business with over 12 years of expertise in water damage, fire damage, storm damage and more. Call us at (616) 200-8946 or fill out our contact form to learn more about the services we provide. We serve customers in Grand Rapids, MI, and nearby areas.

9. How much does it cost to fix water damage?

The cost of water damage cleanup depends on the size of the flooded area and amount of time needed to handle the water repair. If your insurance policy covers water damage restoration, you are typically only responsible for the deductible. Because water can move so quickly and be extremely destructive, if not promptly removed with the right equipment, there can be even bigger problems like mold growth and even structural damage. When done properly, fixing water damage can take several days and many man-hours to complete, which have varying costs.