How to Clean a Moldy Washing Machine: Simple Steps for a Healtheir Home

5/30/2023 (Permalink)

Mold is a common problem in households, and it can grow in many different places. One of the places where mold can easily grow is in your washing machine. It can create a musty odor that can transfer to your clothes. Cleaning a moldy washing machine is not difficult, and can be done with a few simple steps. In this blog, we will discuss how to clean a moldy washing machine.

Step 1: Wear Protective Gear

Before you start cleaning your washing machine, it's important to protect yourself. Wear gloves, a mask, and protective eyewear to prevent exposure to mold spores and cleaning chemicals.

Step 2: Clean the Exterior

Start by cleaning the exterior of your washing machine. Wipe it down with a damp cloth and a mild detergent. Pay close attention to the areas around the door and the detergent dispenser.

Step 3: Clean the Interior

Next, clean the inside of your washing machine. Fill the detergent dispenser with two cups of white vinegar, and run the washing machine on the hottest setting. This will help to kill any mold spores that may be present.

Step 4: Remove and Clean the Detergent Dispenser

If your washing machine has a removable detergent dispenser, take it out and clean it separately. Use a mixture of hot water and dish soap, and scrub it thoroughly with a brush. Rinse it well, and let it dry completely before replacing it.

Step 5: Scrub the Drum

The drum of your washing machine is the area that is most likely to harbor mold. To clean it, mix a solution of equal parts water and bleach, and use a cloth or sponge to scrub the drum thoroughly. Be sure to get into all the crevices and corners.

Step 6: Run Another Hot Cycle

After you have cleaned the drum, run another hot cycle to rinse away any remaining bleach or mold spores. This time, use two cups of baking soda in the detergent dispenser instead of vinegar. This will help to neutralize any remaining odors.

Step 7: Leave the Door Open

Once you have finished cleaning your washing machine, leave the door open to allow it to air out. This will help to prevent mold from growing in the future.

In conclusion, cleaning a moldy washing machine is not a difficult task. With a few simple steps, you can remove mold and prevent it from growing in the future. Remember to wear protective gear, clean the exterior and interior, remove and clean the detergent dispenser, scrub the drum, run another hot cycle, and leave the door open. By following these steps, you can ensure that your washing machine stays clean and mold-free.

From Smoke to Structural: The 6 Types of Fire Damage Every Homeowner Needs to Know About

4/12/2023 (Permalink)

Understanding the different types of fire damage is important to better understand the fire situation.

Fire damage can be a devastating experience for any homeowner. Understanding the different types of fire damage can help you better assess the situation and know what steps to take to restore your home. In this article, we'll discuss the six types of fire damage homeowners should know about.

Smoke Damage

Smoke damage is the most common type of fire damage. It occurs when smoke particles and soot settle on surfaces such as walls, ceilings, and furniture. Smoke damage can cause discoloration, staining, and a strong odor that can be difficult to remove.

Water Damage

When firefighters extinguish a fire, they use water to put out the flames. This can cause water damage to your home, including warped floors, mold growth, and damaged ceilings and walls. It's important to address water damage immediately to prevent further damage and mold growth.

Structural Damage

Structural damage occurs when the fire damages the structural integrity of your home. This can include weakened support beams, damaged roof trusses, and compromised walls. Structural damage can make your home unsafe to live in and requires immediate attention from a professional.

Heat Damage

Heat damage occurs when the intense heat of the fire causes materials to warp, melt, or even combust. This can include damage to appliances, electronics, and plastics. Heat damage can be difficult to repair and may require replacement of the affected materials.

Chemical Damage

Chemical damage occurs when chemicals used to extinguish the fire damage your home. This can include damage to carpets, flooring, and furniture. It's important to clean up any chemical residue as soon as possible to prevent further damage.

Fire Damage to Personal Belongings

Fire damage can also extend to personal belongings such as clothing, jewelry, and furniture. Smoke and water damage can cause discoloration, staining, and other types of damage. It's important to document any damaged items for insurance purposes and consider hiring a professional restoration service to restore your belongings.

In conclusion, understanding the different types of fire damage can help you better assess the situation and take the necessary steps to restore your home. If you experience fire damage, it's important to contact your insurance company immediately and document any damage for insurance purposes. Additionally, it's crucial to hire a professional restoration service to handle the cleanup and restoration process to ensure your home is safe and habitable. By taking these steps, you can begin the process of restoring your home and moving forward from the devastating effects of fire damage.

Why is my water heater leaking?

3/10/2023 (Permalink)

Call a professional for your water heater repairs.

Leaking water heaters are a common occurrence. Even if you have your water heater regularly serviced, it can still develop issues over time that cause it to leak. There are several different causes of leaking water heaters, but the most common ones include:

• A cracked or broken tank can cause water to leak through the floor;. This is a major problem that requires immediate attention because it could lead to extensive damage if not repaired quickly. A crack in a tank can also allow corrosion from minerals that build up in tap water into your appliance's internal components.
• Pipes can fracture or leak due to the corrosive effects of minerals in tap water over time. If left unchecked, these leaks will continue until they become severe enough for you to notice them visibly spilling onto your flooring surface. Water damage from even small leaks can be costly because it leads over time to more serious problems such as mold growth.

Leaking water heaters are a common occurrence.

Leaking water heaters are a common occurrence. In fact, they're the most common cause of water damage in the home.

Water heaters can leak from their tanks, pipes or connections. A small amount of leakage won't cause major damage, but it's still important to keep an eye out for signs that your water heater needs repair or replacement before it causes significant damage to your home and possessions.

Water heater repair can be costly.

The average cost of a water heater repair is $300-$500, but the damage can be much more expensive. If you have to replace your water heater, it could cost around $1,000.

There are many different types of water heaters available including electric and gas models; tankless and conventional storage tank heaters, high efficiency or standard efficiency models, condensing or non-condensing boilers (or both).

Water heaters Lifespan.

Did you know that water heaters have an average lifespan of 10-15 years? If your water heater is older than that, it's important to get it checked out. A leaking or malfunctioning appliance can cause serious damage if not addressed in a timely manner.

How do I check the age of my water heater? The easiest way to find out how old your existing unit is is by looking at its serial number. This information can be found on the outside of the tank or underneath it where there are four large bolts holding it down.

Leaking from corroded Pipes.

If you notice your water heater leaking, it's possible that corrosion is the culprit. Water heaters are made of metal and as such they can be vulnerable to corrosion from minerals in tap water over time. The corrosive effects of these minerals can cause pipes and tanks to crack or break, which leads to leaks when you turn on your faucet.

The best way to prevent this issue is by installing an anti-scale system in your home's plumbing system. This will help reduce the amount of scale buildup inside your pipes so that they don't corrode as quickly as they would otherwise (and thus reduce the risk of leaks).

Broken Tank can cause water damage

Cracked or broken water heaters can cause water to leak through the floor. A damaged tank can result in a variety of problems. Water leaking out of the bottom of your heater when it's full and pressurized. An increase in energy costs because you have to run your heater longer than usual to get warm water for showers and other household activities. If there is too much pressure buildup inside of your tank, it could burst under pressure from either high heat or cold temperatures outside (or both).

Call a Professional.

If you have a water heater that's leaking, it's important to call a professional repair technician as soon as possible. A trained technician can fix the problem quickly and efficiently, saving you time and money. They'll also be able to tell you how to prevent similar problems from happening in the future so that your water heater lasts longer.

If left untreated, small leaks can lead to large amounts of damage and even more costly repairs down the road. Give SERVPRO a call today!

Can hardwood be restored after a Water Loss.

2/13/2023 (Permalink)

If your home suffers from a water loss, we are here to help!

Water damage to hardwood floors is not only common, but can be devastating. Water will destroy the finish and the structure of your floor unless you take action immediately.

Water damage to wood floors can be caused by many things, plumbing leaks, overflowing water heaters, broken washing machines and dishwashers, overflowing toilets or sinks. Regardless of how it happened, there are steps you can take right now to save your hardwood floor from destruction.

Water Damage to Your Hardwood Floor

The damage water can cause to your hardwood floors is severe. Water damage will cause swelling, warping and cracking of the wood, as well as splitting.

Water damage can be caused by leaks, floods and overflows in a home or building. If you have water damage that needs repair, contact an expert today so they can determine how best to restore the condition of your flooring back to normal.

Causes of Water Damage to Wood Floor

There are a variety of causes that may result in water damage to your hardwood floors. These can include a leaky pipe, a burst pipe, or even broken appliances like washing machines or dishwashers. Storms can also cause water damage, if they're severe enough and leave standing water on your floor, this can cause secondary damages to your floor.

What to Do When Water Damage Strikes

If you’re dealing with a wet floor, the first thing to do is call a professional. They can help you determine if it's salvageable and what kind of repairs will be needed. Once they've arrived on the scene, remove all wet items from the area and start drying things out as much as possible before they set in place (like rugs). This will make it easier for them to dry out your wood flooring quickly and prevent secondary damage in your home.

Use air movers or dehumidifiers, if necessary, to remove moisture from the air, then use fans around the perimeter of affected areas so that warm air can circulate through them more effectively. Do not use hairdryers or other heat sources near damaged hardwood floors until they're completely dry.

How to Save Water Damaged Floors

There are several steps you can take to minimize the damage and help your floor dry quickly. Remove excess water as soon as possible. Use a wet/dry vacuum, if necessary, this will get rid of most of the moisture. If the wood is still wet after using a dehumidifier, use fans to dry it completely (this may take up to 48 hours). Save time by using hardwood floor drying kits or machines that have been specifically designed for this purpose.

The sooner you take action, the more likely it is that your damaged floor can be saved. Waiting too long can lead to irreparable damage and a need for replacement, so don't wait any longer than is absolutely necessary!

When you are in need of a restoration company, give SERVPRO of Town & Country a call at the first sign of water damage to your hardwood floors. 

Benefits of Regular House Plumbing Inspections

1/9/2023 (Permalink)

Fix plumbing leaks quickly

If you live in a home with an older plumbing system, it's important to have regular inspections. I'm sure you've heard of the adage "an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure." This couldn't be truer when it comes to house plumbing systems. House plumbing systems are prone to leaks, cracks, and other problems that can cause serious damage if left unchecked. By getting your plumbing system inspected regularly, you'll be able to spot these problems before they become too expensive or dangerous. In this article we'll explore exactly why it's so important for homeowners to get their plumbing inspected on a regular basis so that they can enjoy peace of mind knowing that their home's foundation is safe from major issues like floods and burst pipes!

1. Spot leaks, cracks, and other problems early on

When you have your plumbing inspected every few years, your plumber will be able to spot potential problems early on. By catching a possible leak or crack before it becomes a major problem, you can save yourself both time and money. If you have an emergency that requires immediate attention, it's much better to find out about the problem before it gets out of hand.

If there are any issues with your plumbing system, they'll likely show up in the inspection report, so you know what needs fixing or replacing. 

2. Save on energy bills

Part of the reason you should have your plumbing inspected regularly is that they can help you save money. Why? Well, regular inspections will reveal leaks that are wasting energy and water. In addition to this, they'll also show problems with your system that could result in higher energy bills and higher water bills. Inspections are a great way to get valuable information about how you can improve your home's performance, so we highly recommend them!

3. Homeowners can significantly on their monthly water bill.

The average American family spends great sums each year on water bills, which add up over time. In fact, it’s estimated that homeowners can save up to $70 per month on their water bill by having their pipes checked by a professional plumbing inspector.

Maintaining your plumbing system can help you avoid the costs of repairing large leaks, which can cause mold and mildew in your home, as well as flooding and frozen pipes during colder months. Many people are surprised when they find out how easy it is to keep their systems functioning properly!

4. Avoid costly plumbing repairs

• Regular plumbing inspections are a good way to prevent costly repairs. Plumbing systems can be expensive to fix, and they often need repairs or replacement every few years. If you don’t have regular plumbing inspections, you may end up having to replace your entire system just because of a single issue that could have been prevented with regular maintenance.
• A common problem with plumbing is leaks. Leaking faucets and toilets can waste hundreds of gallons of water each month. 

5. Prevent small issues from becoming major issues

Regular plumbing inspections are the best way to prevent small issues from becoming major problems. For example, a small leak can cause mold and mildew to grow on the walls of your home, while an improperly installed water heater can lead to carbon monoxide poisoning. The sooner you address these issues, the less expensive they will be to repair or replace!

6. Better water quality

When you get your plumbing system inspected regularly, you'll have the peace of mind that your plumbing system is in good condition. Your plumber will be able to spot problems before they become big issues and will be able to fix them before they cause damage or disruption to your household. This means that if a problem does arise, it can be dealt with quickly and easily, saving time and money.

7. When you get your plumbing system inspected regularly, you'll have the peace of mind that your plumbing system is in good condition.

This can help you sleep better at night knowing that:

• Your plumbing system is safe for use by your family and friends who visit.
• You aren't going to be surprised by a small leak or large problem with the plumbing that could lead to water damage or home damage.
• All the components are working properly and not causing any problems for other systems in your house like heating/cooling systems or doors opening/closing correctly.

The plumbing system in your Houston, TX home is a major part of your home. It is important to have it inspected regularly so you can identify any potential problems before they become an issue. When the experts at SERVPRO of Town & Country inspect your plumbing, they will make sure everything is running smoothly and efficiently. From faucets to toilets, showers, sinks, and drains.

The Most Common Fire Damage Questions And Answers

12/9/2022 (Permalink)

Fire restoration experts in Houston, TX

When you're dealing with fire damage, one of the most important things to remember is that there are several steps involved in cleaning, repairing, and restoring your home or business. Each step has its own benefits as well as drawbacks, so it's important to weigh out all your options before making any repairs.

How do fires start?

Fires can be caused by many things, including faulty electrical wiring. Fires can also be started by overloaded electrical circuits or a downed power line. A fire can even start when items such as paper, wood and clothing catch on fire.

What are the three classes of a fire?

There are three classes of fires:

• Class A: These are common fires, such as wood and paper. They can be extinguished with water.
• Class B: Examples include flammable liquids like gasoline, diesel fuel or oil. This type of fire requires a dry chemical extinguisher to put out the flames.
• Class C: Electrical fires often involve equipment that generates or uses electricity. When these types of fires occur, it's very important to turn off power at its source before you attempt to fight them by using a properly rated fire extinguisher filled with carbon dioxide gas (CO2).

How does smoke affect my belongings?

Smoke can cause discoloration and damage to your belongings. For example, smoke can stain walls, upholstery, and other surfaces. If the smoke has a strong odor after a fire, it may permeate your clothes and other items in your home.

You’ll need to thoroughly clean all soiled or stained items before you wash them with detergent and water (in most cases). The best way to remove odors is by using an ozone generator machine that produces ozone gas which will oxidize the molecules of the smell producing chemicals into non-odor compounds that are much less pungent than those emitted by the original source material. 

What does cleaning and repairing my home from fire damage usually involve?

First, the smoke and soot must be removed from the home. Next, any remaining fire damage will need to be removed from your home. The third step is repairing the damage caused by the fire. Finally, you'll need to clean your home using professional cleaning services.

What if I need restoration services for my business, not just my home?

You’re probably aware that smoke damage can be particularly difficult to clean up, especially if it comes from a major fire. In fact, most fire and smoke restoration companies are trained in everything from cleaning out the ducts in your home to removing smoke odors that have permeated walls and curtains. However, if you need help restoring your business after a disaster or accidental fire, look for a company with extensive experience working with commercial properties.

Consider how much damage has been done during assessing the situation before calling any restoration service. If it appears as though there won’t be any significant structural repairs needed at this point—and it would make more sense to focus on cosmetic issues like replacing drywall or carpeting—consider hiring a contractor instead of an actual restoration company because they will likely be able to provide better estimates for these types of services compared to a professional who specializes in cleanup only (which may also cost less).

There are several things to consider when dealing with fire damage.

First, it's important to know that fire damage can happen to anyone, whether you live in an apartment or a mansion. Fires can be caused by many different things, including space heaters, candles, and faulty electrical wiring. If you have a fire in your home or business, it's important to know what to do so that you can quickly contain the flames and restore your property as soon as possible.

Conclusion

The best thing you can do for yourself and your family is to have a fire escape plan in place. You may never need it, but if you do, you’ll be glad that you planned. If your home or business ever suffers from fire damage, remember these tips: keep track of all receipts so that you can make an insurance claim; get a cleaning crew if possible; and don’t forget about restoration services!

What To Do If Your Basement Floods?

11/9/2022 (Permalink)

If your basement is flooded you should call SERVPRO of Town and Country.

How Do You Handle a Flooded Basement?

If you've ever had a basement flood, you know how stressful it can be. That's why it's important to understand what to do if your basement floods and who to contact for help. A flooded basement is often caused by more than just one factor, which means that there are several different things you should consider doing to minimize damage and prevent future flooding. In this blog post we'll discuss several different scenarios that lead to flooding (and what could have prevented them), as well as steps that homeowners can take right away after a flood occurs to minimize damage and prevent further flooding.

Steps To Reduce Damage If Your Basement Has Flooded

If your basement has flooded, there are several steps you should take right away to minimize damage.

• Keep a close eye on the water level. Make sure it doesn’t rise too high or get into any other part of your home.
• Call a plumber or water damage restoration specialist as soon as possible after a flood to ensure that no additional damage occurs.
• If you have a sump pump, make sure it is working properly and doesn't need to be replaced or repaired before the next major rain event happens in your area.

Factors That Can Contribute To a Basement Flood

One of the most common is a sump pump failure, which occurs when the sump pump is not installed properly or fails when needed most. Sump pumps are also responsible for removing water from your home’s foundation and moving it outside of your house into a designated drainage system. However, if you have an older model, it may not be able to handle large amounts of rainfall in one go and could cause problems for homeowners in high-risk areas like hurricanes.

Sump pumps need to be checked regularly for proper operation—a clogged filter or worn impeller (the part that pulls water up into the discharge pipe) are just two examples of common causes for premature failure in this type of equipment. Regular inspections will also help you identify any potential issues before they become major problems that damage your home's foundation or flood your basement again!

Call a Plumber or Water Damage Restoration Specialist

As soon as possible after a flood, you should call a plumber or water damage restoration specialist to ensure that no additional damage occurs. Mold can quickly grow in your home if left untreated it can be very dangerous.

If you find yourself in need of assistance with a water problem, SERVPRO of Town and Country is here to help. We have the training, equipment, and expertise to handle any type of water damage. Our staff will be able to quickly get the work done so that you can get back to normal life as soon as possible.

For more information on what we do or if you need help with your insurance claim, contact us today at (713) 461-2700. We are available 24/7 so don’t hesitate—contact us today!

How Do Fire Sprinklers Work During a Fire?

10/16/2022 (Permalink)

Sprinkler systems are composed of several different components, including the pipes, sprinkler heads and alarm valves.

How Do Fire Sprinklers Operate in the Event of a Fire?

Sprinklers are an important part of any fire suppression system. They’re designed to suppress fires in the early stages, before they have a chance to spread and cause significant damage. Sprinkler systems are composed of several different components, including the pipes, sprinkler heads and alarm valves. When the heat of a fire reaches a certain level, it ignites the fire sprinkler head mounted on the ceiling or wall. This causes water to spray out in all directions and extinguish most small fires before they can become large ones.

Fire sprinklers are a vital part of preventing significant damage to commercial and industrial buildings.

The National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) requires that all new construction and major renovations comply with NFPA 13, Standard for the Installation of Sprinkler Systems. To prevent the spread of fire, sprinklers are required in certain areas of buildings based on their construction type and occupancy classification.

Sprinklers can save lives and property when they're properly installed and maintained. They're most effective when used in combination with other fire protection systems such as smoke alarms (smoke detectors), carbon monoxide alarms (CO detectors), automatic water mist extinguishers, standpipe systems, hose cabinets or deluge systems—or any combination thereof—to protect against multiple hazards in your building's specific type of occupancy.

Sprinklers are so effective and reliable that they’re required by the National Fire Protection Association to be installed in most commercial buildings. This is because sprinklers have been proven to reduce fire damage and end up saving businesses money over time.

Sprinkler systems are composed of several different components, including the pipes, sprinkler heads and alarm valves.

When someone pulls the fire alarm in an office or hotel, it activates a valve that opens water to all the sprinkler heads in that area. The water flowing from these sprinklers can range anywhere between 30-50 gallons per minute. This keeps an area free from smoke and flames until firefighters arrive on scene.

When the heat of a fire reaches a certain level, it ignites the fire sprinkler head mounted on the ceiling or wall.

A fire sprinkler system is made up of several parts. The most important part is the fire sprinkler head, which is mounted on the ceiling or wall.

When a fire occurs, it heats up until it reaches a certain temperature, at which point the sprinkler head opens and releases water onto the flames. This causes them to extinguish before they can spread throughout your home or business.

Sprinklers are an important way to make sure your building is protected from fire. They’re easy to install, maintain and operate, so you can rest assured that this system will work when it counts most.

Can Fire-Damaged Contents Be Cleaned?

8/30/2022 (Permalink)

After a fire, there is a lot of stuff that needs to be cleaned.

Content Cleaning Methods

A fire can destroy many contents, but it may be possible to clean items that are only exposed to smoke, ash, and soot. Damage mitigation professionals provide a variety of content cleaning methods. These methods range from dry-cleaning to foam and wet cleaning. Learn more about the best treatments for different types of items.

Non-Porous Contents

Hard, non-porous items and surfaces can stand up to heavy-duty cleaning processes. Some of the most effective methods include:

• Abrasion or blasting
• Immersion
• Ultrasonic waves
  
  

Immersion and ultrasonic waves are often combined for maximum effect. These methods work best on smaller items that can be easily dipped in a bath of cleaning solution and treated with high-pressure waves. Larger items or surfaces may call for wet cleaning.

Porous Contents

Porous items absorb moisture and may not be good candidates for immersion or wet cleaning. The following methods are recommended for these materials:

• Dry-cleaning
• Spraying
• Wiping
  
  

Restoration professionals use specialized methods and solutions that may be more effective than consumer-grade treatments. Ask an expert which method is best suited to a particular item.

Delicate Contents

Care must be taken not to damage delicate contents. Books and documents call for different cleaning methods than treatments for textiles or upholstery. The best approaches for cleaning delicate materials may include:

• Chemical sponges
• Foam
• HEPA vacuums
• Immersion
  
  

Books and documents may benefit from being wiped with chemical sponges and carefully cleaned with a HEPA vacuum. Upholstery and furniture are ideal candidates for foam cleaning. Ceramics and glass should be able to withstand immersion.

These are all of the major content cleaning methods used by fire damage mitigation professionals. A service may also provide content storage until on-site restoration is complete. Rely on expert recommendations if you are unsure whether dry-cleaning or another method is the best approach for damaged items after a fire at a residence in Bunker Hill Village,TX.

What Mold in Air Ducts Could Mean for Commercial Buildings

8/30/2022 (Permalink)

Mold in air ducts in Houston, TX.

The Potential Impact of Mold in Air Ducts for Commercial Buildings

Mold frequently grows on construction materials for commercial buildings in Houston, TX. It thrives in hidden, dark spaces with favorable humidity levels and hosts that provide it the nutrients it needs. Mold spores will settle and develop into colonies in any areas that provide these conditions. Hiring an HVAC cleaning service at least twice a year is recommended for commercial buildings. It is common to find fungus growing inside of HVAC systems on:

• AC evaporator coils
• The drip pan
• Inside air ducts
  
  

If you find mold around your commercial property, it is likely there is mold inside of your HVAC system as well. Here's what mold in the HVAC system could mean for your commercial building:

Mold Spores Will Circulate When the HVAC System Turns On

Mold can be found feeding off the dust in your HVAC system. This is because air ducts provide a suitable environment for fungus to thrive. This mold will release mold spores that circulate into every room of a commercial building when the HVAC system turns on. This makes them more likely to attach themselves to the natural construction materials of the building. Regular HVAC cleaning will clear your air conditioning system of dust, preventing mold growth. Cleaning vents frequently will also aid in mold prevention.

Mold in Your Air Ducts Will Cause Unpleasant Smells

A key indicator of mold being circulated through the building is an unpleasant, musky smell. When mold spores are circulated through air vents it makes them more likely to grow on other materials that provide the right nutrients, including water damaged wood or drywall. The smell coming from these materials is often described as humid and earthy.

Mold spores only take about 48-72 hours to develop into colonies. If you have found mold on your property, it is crucial to address it right away by calling an HVAC cleaning service. This will improve the overall air quality in your building and prevent mold damage.