Water Filter Causes Leaky Fridge in San Antonio Area Home

1/25/2022 (Permalink)

A poor connection between the water filter and the water supply line can cause a leak in refrigerator models with a water filtering system. The filter may be installed improperly, the wrong size or model for the refrigerator, or it may be so old that the housing or seals are cracked, allowing water to escape. Either way, it can cause a refrigerator leak and water damage to your kitchen floors and cabinets. When a home owner in the San Antonio area came home from work to water all over her kitchen tile flooring, he called SERVPR of Olmos Park to come assess the damage and perform the water damage restoration process.  SERVPRO of Olmos Park is open 24 hours for water damage restoration emergencies and is available now. Here to Help

Olmos Park Water Removal Experts

1/25/2022 (Permalink)

Have you ever came home to standing water?
Perhaps you just enjoyed a long 3 day weekend out of town only to come home to find water gushing out of your front door?

Unfortunately, these things happen, and often times can come at the most inopportune times.

Fortunately, SERVPRO of Olmos Park is here to help.  We like to assure people that even if you aren't prepared for a water event to happen, SERVPRO always is!

We have the knowledge and experience to help in whatever the situation, so even if your kitchen is flooded, don't be afraid; give us a call and we'll take care of it all!

A water damage event is very stressful for any person, but be assured that when we arrive you can sit back and relax - we have it covered.  Let us take care of the work and hardships so you don't have to.  We'll be happy to make it "Like it never even happened."

Water Damage Restoration for Under the Kitchen Sink

1/21/2022 (Permalink)

At SERVPRO of Olmos Park, we are often called due to water damage found underneath a kitchen sink.  Often times, there is a slow leak that has occurred over time causing water damage and, in many cases, mold growth. Kitchen sinks with garbage disposals are especially prone to leaky pipes under the sink. In order to prevent water damage, it’s important to inspect your kitchen sink pipes and make sure everything is dry and working properly. What you find might surprise you.  If you have discovered water damage underneath your kitchen sink or have discovered mold growth, please call us today at SERVPRO of Olmos Park as it is very important to restore and remediate the problem right away so the situation does not get worse and start warping your kitchen cabinets. Call today!

The Best Water Heaters for 2020

1/21/2022 (Permalink)

The Best Water Heaters for 2020

According to TheSpruce.com, below are the best water heaters of 2020.

Best Overall Electric Tank Water Heater: Rheem Performance 40 Gal at Home Depot

"You have plenty of hot water whenever you need or want it."

Best Overall Electric Tankless Water Heater: EcoSmart ECO 11 Tankless at Amazon

"Works quickly while giving you a fine degree of control."

Best Overall Gas Tank Water Heater: Rheem Natural Gas at Home Depot

"A frequent choice for larger homes or families."

Best Overall Gas Tankless Water Heater: Rheem Performance Platinum at Home Depot

"Heater offers continuous hot water straight from the pipes."

Best Electric High Capacity Water Heater: Westinghouse 52 Gal at Home Depot

"When it comes to meeting the water needs of a large family."

Best Gas High Capacity Water Heater: Westinghouse 60 Gal at Home Depot

"One of the largest tanks available on the market today."

Best Water Heater for RVs: Bosch Tronic 3000 at Amazon

"A multi-use water heater capable of being installed in many tight spaces."

Best Point Of Use Water Heater: InSinkErator HWT-F1000S at Amazon

"Designed to be used nearly anywhere there is a typical faucet hookup."

Best Portable Water Heater: Camplux 5L Outdoor Tankless at Amazon

"You can connect to a hose or water tap for bathing or cooking."

Water Heater Sizes and Types

1/14/2022 (Permalink)

What kind of water heater do I need?

The installation of your home’s water heater is an important decision. There are many factors to consider:

• Tanked vs. tankless water heater
• The right water heater for your household size
• Best location for your heater (installation)
• Gas or Electric
• How big of a water heater do I need

If you decided on a tank water heater, you may ask yourself, how big of a water heater do I need? Determining factors will be the size of your family and the utilities available in your home. Use this simple guide to determine your water heater size needs:

• For 1 to 2 people: 30-40 gallons.
• For 2 to 3 people: 40-50 gallons.
• For 3 to 4 people: 50-60 gallons.
• For 5+ people: 60-80 gallons.

Source: Zine Trip Online

Why is My Refrigerator Leaking?

1/12/2022 (Permalink)

Causes of a Leaky Refrigerator

WATER FILTER

If your filter is not installed properly, or the filter is old or doesn't fit correctly with your refrigerator model, chances are there is a poor connection between the filter and the water supply. To prevent your refrigerator from leaking, check to see if water is escaping due to holes in the filter. Also, check the size and model of both the fridge and filter to ensure it's the correct part for your refrigerator.

DRAIN PAN

Examine the drain pan for any cracks, which is located at the bottom of the refrigerator. If you notice a significant amount of pooling underneath, chances are the pan has a crack and that's what is causing the leak. Replace the pan immediately if you notice any damage.

DEFROST DRAIN

One of the most common causes of a leaky refrigerator is a faulty defrost drain. When the defrost drain is blocked by food particles or ice, it prevents the water accumulated during the defrost cycle to properly drain into the pan. Eventually, water will start to build up. Without anywhere to drain, water will begin to flow right onto your floor. Remove any blockage caused by food particles or ice by flushing the drain with hot water and removing debris carefully with a wire hanger.

If your kitchen has experience water damage due to a leaky refrigerator, please call SERVPRO of Olmos Park now - we are open 24 hours for emergency service. (210) 348-2911

Source: Roto-Rooter Online

Hot Water Leak Causes Damage in San Antonio Kitchen

1/26/2021 (Permalink)

We responded to an emergency water damage call in a San Antonio home. Summer had just begun, and mom along with her two children were enjoying the slower pace of life. The three had spent the morning in their pool and worked up quite the appetite. Mom decided to step inside to get food started for lunch while the kids stayed outside and dried off. Mom opened the backdoor and there in front of her was a flood in her kitchen and a hole in her ceiling. She shut off the water, called her children in to help, and then called us to mitigate the rest of the water damage. Shortly thereafter, she discovered her hot water heater was to blame for this disaster. The hot water heater, which was located in the attic above the kitchen, had sprung a leak. As more and more water was absorbed by the drywall, water began to pool and the kitchen ceiling started to bow. Eventually, the ceiling couldn’t hold the weight of the water any longer and the kitchen was flooded with water from above. Our technicians cleaned up the ceiling debris and extracted the standing water. They also cut and removed additional drywall that had been affected by water damage. It is important to get rid of drywall that has gotten wet as soon as possible because when it gets wet, it loses its structural integrity. In addition (and very importantly), removing water quickly will help minimize the potential for  mold growth. After several days of drying, the moisture levels met our dryness goals.  We were happy to say, "another home back to normal after experiencing a water damage emergency". With the help of our team, this disaster was "Like it never even happened."

Air Conditioner Causes Water Damage to Ceiling

1/26/2021 (Permalink)

The homeowner of a house in San Antonio, Texas noticed round, yellowish, water spots had appeared on the ceiling of his master bedroom. Realizing that the cause of the water damage was likely the air conditioner located in the attic above the room, he climbed up to take a look. Sure enough, that was the culprit of the damage. He called out an HVAC repair company to fix the problem with the air conditioner, and then he called us at SERVPRO® of Olmos Park, to mitigate the water damage done to the floor of the attic and the ceiling of the bedroom. Our technicians removed all affected drywall, and set up several of our air movers to dry out the wet areas. After a few days of drying and daily moisture checks, the moisture levels were low and back to normal, so our crew pulled the equipment and packed up. The floor of the attic and ceiling of the bedroom were repaired, and this was disaster was now "Like it never even happened."

Water Damage and Wood Floors

1/21/2021 (Permalink)

It doesn’t require a disaster of the scope of a spring flood or hurricane to damage a wood floor. Plumbing leaks, fire hoses and the upstairs neighbor’s overflowing tub might pose problems for porous wood floors and substructures. Whatever the cause, water causes warping, and can trigger mold and mildew growth that can ruin wood. Major flooding creates problems in foundations and walls that must be addressed, but the first step in mitigating the damage done by water to a building -- including its wood floors -- is to gently but quickly ventilate and dry materials.

SERVPRO® of Olmos Park uses commercial-grade machines that extract the water from the wood flooring with a powerful force.  If we are called immediately following a water damage event, there is a good possibility we can save your wood floors from buckling using the high-powered water extractors.  Don't hesitate to call right away.

Source: Homeguides Online

Three Types of Contaminated Water

1/21/2021 (Permalink)

Did you know that SERVPRO of Olmos Park also cleans up sewage backups?

Sewer backups should be considered an emergency since the water may contain viruses, bacteria, and other microbes that cause serious illnesses. Our professionals at SERVPRO of Olmos Park have specialized training and equipment to quickly and safely clean contaminants like sewage.

Water damage can be classified by the three types of contaminated water. Our team of technicians will inspect your home or business to determine the appropriate plan of action for the type of water encountered.

The three types of contaminated water:

Category 1: "Clean Water"

Category 1 water is from a clean source like a broken water supply line or leaking faucet. If not treated quickly, this water can turn into category 2 or 3, depending on length of time, temperature, and contact with surrounding contaminants.

• Water from a clean source like a broken water line
• If left untreated, can degrade into category 2 or 3

Category 2: "Gray Water"

Category 2 water is contaminated and could cause discomfort or illness. Examples include washing machine overflow; toilet overflow with some urine, but no feces; or dishwasher overflow.

• May contain bacteria and viruses
• Can quickly degrade into category 3 if left untreated

Category 3: "Black Water"

Category 3 water is grossly contaminated and could cause severe illness or death if ingested and any contact should be avoided. Examples include flooding from rivers or streams, water from beyond the toilet trap, water from the toilet bowl with feces, or standing water that has begun to support microbial growth.

• May contain untreated sewage, harsh chemicals, and microbes
• Water from flooding rivers or sewer backup

24 Hour Emergency Service

Water contaminated with sewage backup should be considered an emergency situation and dealt with as quickly as possible. Our technicians at SERVPRO of Olmos Park are available 24 hours a day, 365 days a year for any emergency situations that arise. We have been a trusted name in safely and properly restoring homes and businesses for almost 15 years! We are here to help!

Toilet Overflow or Sewer Backup?
Call our office today (210) 348-2911

Do You Have a Hidden Water Leak?

1/15/2021 (Permalink)

Think you may have a water leak somewhere in your home? Here are some good ways to tell when the leak is not obvious.

1. Pay Attention to Increased Water Bills

Monitor your water bill for sudden unexplained increases.

2. Check Your Water Meter

Pick a few hours when you can go without using the water In your home. Record your water meter before and after. Was there an increase?

3. Toilet Leaks

Put a drop of food coloring in your toilet’s tank. If within 15 minutes or less, the toilet bowl reveals that color, you may have a leak. Make sure to flush the toilet multiple times after performing this test so your bowl does not get stained.

4. Look for Mold

Where there is mold, there is moisture. Something is feeding that moisture. It’s possible there is a leak somewhere.

The First 48 Hours are Critical in Water Damage Restoration

1/14/2021 (Permalink)

Within Minutes

• Water quickly spreads throughout your property, saturating everything in its path.
• Water is absorbed into walls, floors, upholstery, and belongings.
• Furniture finishes may bleed, causing permanent staining on carpets.
• Photographs, books, and other paper goods start to swell and warp.

Hours 1 - 24:

• Drywall begins to swell and break down.
• Metal surfaces begin to tarnish.
• Furniture begins to swell and crack.
• Dyes and inks from cloth and paper goods spread and stain.
• A musty odor appears.

48 Hours to 1 Week:

• Mold and mildew may grow and spread.
• Doors, windows, and studs swell and warp.
• Metal begins to rust and corrode.
• Furniture warps and shows signs of mold.
• Paint begins to blister.
• Wood flooring swells and warps.
• Serious biohazard contamination is possible.

More Than 1 Week:

• Restoration time and cost increase dramatically; replacing contaminated materials and structural rebuilding may be extensive.
• Structural safety, mold growth, and biohazard contaminants pose serious risks to occupants.

Mobile Home and Manufactured Home Water Damage Restoration

1/22/2020 (Permalink)

At SERVPRO of Olmos Park, we often are asked if we can restore water damage to mobile or manufactured homes.  The answer is, “yes”! Mobile homes and manufactured homes are treated for water damage very similarly to single family homes. Actually, the process is often times quicker.  If the mobile or manufactured home is not often used, many times the water damage goes undetected for some time and has caused mold growth to form as well. Mold growth after improperly treated water damage is called “secondary damage”. SERVPRO of Olmos Park is mold certified and can treat the secondary damage in addition to the water damage if needed.

If you suspect water damage or mold growth in your mobile of manufactured home, please do not hesitate to call SERVPRO of Olmos Park today.  We will work with your insurance.

Keep an Eye on your Water Bill in Order to Detect Leaks

1/28/2019 (Permalink)

Keep an eye on your water bill in order to detect leaks

With so many water pipes hidden behind walls and in the floors in your house, you might not know there’s a leak until the damage is done. That’s why it’s a good idea to keep a close eye on your monthly water bill. If you see it starting to creep up, or get one that’s uncommonly high, it’s a pretty good sign that you may have a leak somewhere.

It's not uncommon for us to get a call from a homeowner who has mold behind their dishwasher or mold behind their sink because there has been a slow leak in a pipe in their walls. It's always a good idea to take care of any water leak as soon as possible in order to prevent mold from forming in addition to the water damage.

If your pipes clog, use a drain snake instead of unclogging chemicals

1/28/2019 (Permalink)

If your pipes clog, use a drain snake instead of unclogging chemicals

No matter how crazy clean you are, from your shower to your kitchen sink, clogs are going to happen. And chances are at some point in your life you’ve used one of those powerful chemical drain cleaners to get things moving again. But as convenient as they may be, most folks don’t realize those caustic chemicals are also eating away at their pipes. If you rely on them a lot, you could be setting yourself up for leaks. That’s why owning a drain snake is a good solution to clear away clogs. They’re pretty inexpensive, you can get them at your local hardware store, and they can cut through most any clog you’ll have without damaging pipes.

Source: www.farmers.com

2 Outside Projects to do in Order to Avoid Water Damage

1/28/2019 (Permalink)

2 Outside Projects to do in Order to Avoid Water Damage

1. Be careful where you plant

Some plants and trees, like weeping willows, have pretty invasive roots. If you’re not careful, they’ll grow right into your sprinkler system, drainage field, pipes, and septic tanks. Plan before you plant to keep roots away from any water lines.

2. Clean out roof gutters

You know it’s on your to-do list anyway, so if you can, take a safe climb up to your roof next Sunday and check out your gutters. If you’re seeing lots of leaves, birds’ nests, sticks, and whatnot up there, your gutters may not be doing the job you hired them for. And on a rainy day, a clogged gutter can send water spilling into your home’s foundation, through the roof, or down to your basement. That could cause some serious water damage! So next time you’re doing some seasonal cleaning, make sure those gutters are clean. And if your gutters are too high, be safe and get a professional to check them.

Causes of Refrigerator Leaks

1/21/2019 (Permalink)

Causes of Refrigerator Leaks

Maybe your water alarm alerted you, maybe you see a puddle or some dripping, or maybe you see some signs of water damage (corrosion, water stains, etc.). Once you’ve discovered a leak, consider the possible causes.

Blocked defroster. A blocked defroster can stop defrost-cycle water from draining properly. Try clearing out the small drain by pouring hot water into it. Remove any debris with a pipe cleaner.

Drain pan. Sometimes the drain pan itself can leak. Check for cracks.

Filter. Refrigerators with filters can leak if the filter is the wrong size or not installed properly.

Water line. This is potentially the most problematic. Refrigerators with ice makers or water dispensers have water lines running between the main water supply and the back of the fridge. Feel to see if the water line is wet or dripping. Cracked hoses and loose connections are often the culprit.

Refrigerator leaks can damage the flooring and cabinets in your kitchen.  If you experience a refrigerator leak, please contact SERVPRO of Olmos Park right away to treat and help to prevent any further damage.

Source: https://www.erplumbing.com

Never Pour Grease Down Your Sink

1/21/2019 (Permalink)

Never pour grease down your sink

You’ve probably heard this before, but you should definitely avoid pouring grease down your kitchen sink. It doesn’t matter if you flush it with hot or cold water. It can still congeal and cling to your pipes, and could still cause some serious damage and blockage.

Some people use detergent to break up grease before pouring it down the drain…and that may help sometimes. But there’s no guarantee that it’ll keep the grease from sticking to your pipes, so why take the risk?

The safest thing to do is just to pour your grease in an empty can, and either let it sit or put it in the refrigerator. Once it hardens you can toss it in the trash and get rid of it. Done and done.

Pipe leaks from clogged pipes can cause water damage to your home as well as mold damage if the water damage is not soon addressed.

Source: www.farmers.com

We Specialize in Basement Floods Clean-Up and Restoration

1/29/2018 (Permalink)

We Specialize in Basement Floods Clean-Up and Restoration

A basement can flood at any time, although flooding most often occurs during heavy rainfall. Basements are inherently prone to flooding because they are the lowest level of a building and are normally built partly or entirely below ground level. There are a number of reasons why your  basement could flood, including: 

• A blocked or failed sewer lateral pipe
• Heavy rain causes surface water to pool around your home
• Storm sewer backup
• Sanitary sewer backup
• Foundation drainage failure
• Water supply-line break or hot-water tank failure
• And many more

Have Questions about Basement Flooding?

Call Today - (210) 348-2911

If flood water is not handled quickly and properly, it can jeopardize your health and safety, and cause severe damage to your home’s structure. Remember, the longer you wait, the worse the problem will get.

The bottom line: a flooded basement can jeopardize your health, safety, and your home’s integrity. It’s worth making a call to SERVPRO of Olmos Park and let our trained, professional crews handle the situation safely and correctly. We have earned the trust of hundreds of homeowners, business owners, and property professionals.

We are Flooded Basement Specialists:

• We are Available 24 hours/7 days per week
• We’re a Preferred Vendor to many National Insurance Companies
• We Bill The Insurance Directly – One Less Thing For You To Worry About
• Our Technicians are Highly-Trained  in Water Restoration Techniques
• We use s500 IICRC Restoration Standards
• Advanced Inspection and Extraction Equipment

Basement Flooded? Call Us Today – We’re Ready To Help (210) 348-2911

Immediate Action is Crucial if you Experience Water Damage

1/22/2018 (Permalink)

Although it is something that none of us ever want to deal with, flooding will happen at one point or another in your home. Flooding can occur many different ways in your San Antonio home -- a malfunctioning appliance, a pipe that burst, a family member who walked away from a filling bath tub for a little too long. When your San Antonio home experiences water damage, immediate action is crucial in minimizing the extent of the damage done to your property. SERVPRO of Olmos Park responds quickly; we make it a priority to get your life back to normal as soon as possible. Our highly-trained professionals use advanced equipment and techniques to remove water efficiently. SERVPRO of Olmos Park will make it "Like it never even happened."

If your home experiences flooding or water damage, don't delay - Call SERVPRO of Olmos Park

(210) 348-2911