Posts Tagged ‘plumbing leaks’

Quick Response Time Is Critical When You Have Water Damage

admin
Dec 28 |16:51

Water Damage can occur from a variety of sources; Basement Flooding, Plumbing leaks, Burst Pipes, and Frozen Pipes just to name a few.

Immediate response to a Water Damage is the most critical thing in minimizing the amount of damage that the unwanted water can cause. Typically Green Clean can respond to a Water Damage Emergency in less than an hour. We have staff on call twenty four hours a day, 365 days a year for water damage restoration and repair.

The reason why response time is so critical is because the water will migrate rapidly to other areas and will quickly be absorbed by porous materials such as carpeting, carpet padding, drywall and insulation in walls and between floors.  The sooner the water is removed, the less area is affected.

The second reason why response time is so critical is because after water intrusion, mold and bacterial spores germinate and multiply.  One organism can multiply to more than one billion organisms in less than 24 hours. You typically have 72 hours to dry porous materials, after that time we recommend removal and replacement due to health concerns.

From initial consultations to project management, reconstruction and restorations, every member of the Green Clean staff is passionate about restoring healthy environments. That passion, along with an experienced, IICRC-certified staff of cleaning and restoration technicians have earned Green Clean an A+ rating with the Better Business Bureau.
The owners of Green Clean Jason Schroeck and Rhett Trotter work hard to build long-term relationships with their customers through communication and trust, striving for excellence in every service they provide, and placing the needs of their customers first.  By serving their customers with honesty, integrity, and the highest level of professional service has provided the foundation for Green Clean to win the 10th Annual Better Business Bureau Integrity Award.

 

Tips for Preparing Your Home this Fall to Prevent Water Damage.

admin
Nov 18 |16:06

Fall is a critical time to do a few preventive things to prevent water damage in your home.

 

  1. First and foremost, turn off your exterior faucets valves from the inside, open the faucet to drain the water and remove garden hoses. If these valves are left open the water inside the pipe near the exterior can freeze and expand causing the pipe to burst, when it warms above freezing the ice will melt and you will have water running into the interior of your home until it is turned off. Even if you have ‘frost-proof’ faucets it is still important to turn them off from inside of your home. They can freeze and burst, usually in the valve itself, so you will not know this has happened until you turn the faucet on in the spring. If you do not have an interior shut off valve we recommend that you place an insulated cover over the faucet which can be purchased at your local hardware store.
  2. Clean Leaves and Debris from your Gutters.  Once the leaves have fallen, clean your gutters and downspouts. Plugged gutters and downspouts can cause water to seep in next to the foundation and cause basement flooding. Many insurance companies do not cover water damage from seepage. Make sure your downspouts run at least six feet from the foundation, and your landscaping is slopped away from your foundation for at least six feet.
  3. Clean you sump pump pit. Once the ground has frozen, remove your sump pump and clean the pit it sits in. Sand and silt will accumulate in the bottom of the pit and can reduce the life of the pump. Replace the pump and check for proper operation of the float. When water is flowing in the pit in the spring is not a good time to find it is malfunctioning.

 

We hope these helpful tips will prevent you from finding a flood in your home.  If you do have a Water Damage emergency call our 24 hour Water and Fire Damage hotline at 952-930-6853 for an immediate response.

 

Categories of Water in Water Damage

admin
May 13 |12:08

Water damage is divided into three general classes: Class 1-Clean Water; Class 2-Gray Water; and Class 3-Black Water. The class of the water contamination is not determined by the color of the water, it is determined by the source, contents, history and characteristics of the water.

Class 1 – Clean Water

Clean water comes from a source that does not pose substantial harm to humans.  Examples include, but not limited to, broken supply pipes and appliance malfunctions.  Clean water in flooded structures that remain untreated may change to class 2 water in as little as 48 hours and class 3 water in as little as 96 hours.

Class 2 – Gray Water

 Gray water contains a significant level of contamination and has the potential to cause discomfort and sickness if consumed by or exposed to humans. Examples include, but not limited to, discharge from dishwashers or washing machines, overflows from washing machines, overflows from toilet bowls with some urine (no feces), and sump pump failures.  Gray water in flooded structures that remain untreated may change to Class 3 water in as little as 48 hours.

Class 3 – Black Water

Black water contains pathogenic agents and is grossly unsanitary.  Black water includes sewage and other contaminated water. Toilet back-flows that originate from beyond the toilet trap is considered black water, regardless of visible content or color.  Black water includes all forms of flooding from ground surface  water and rising water from streams and rivers.  Such water sources carry silt and organic matter into structures and create black water conditions.

Microorganismsare always present in the indoor environment.  To prevent amplification of microorganisms, immediate response is necessary for all classes of water intrusion.

If you do have a water damage problem in your
home call Green Clean Carpet Care Restoration at
763-789-9600 for immediate assistance.

 

Choosing the right company if you have a water damage.

admin
May 11 |10:03

A Minnesota Water Damage Restoration Company Gives You Tips on Finding a Reputable Company To Work With You

The best thing to do when water damage occurs is to call a reputable Water Damage Restoration Company.

A good restoration company will be willing to educate you and walk you through the proper procedures of  cleaning up the flooded area and drying out the structure. They can also help walk you through the Insurance process to help you determine the best course of action.

It can be very difficult to find a good restoration service and basing your decision on price alone can be a scary proposition. So what is the best way to find a good reputable Water Damage Restoration Company?  Here are some guidelines to follow, so you know you are getting a good company:

1. Try to get a good reference from a friend or family member.

2. Check with the BetterBusinessBureau 

3. Check with the IICRC Institute of Inspection Cleaning and Restoration Certification for a certified company in your area.

These are just a few important tips on making sure you are getting the most reliable and reputable company in your home.  If you are interested in more ideas please come back and visit our blog.

If you do have a water damage problem in your
home call Green Clean Carpet Care Restoration at
763-789-9600 for immediate assistance.

 

What should I keep and discard after a sewage backup?

admin
May 7 |20:48

Carpets, drywall, and insulation contaminated with sewage or “black water” must be discarded. 

What about your personal contents?

Making the decision of what to keep and what to discard following a sewage backup is a tough decision, especially if some of the items are irreplaceable or have great sentimental value.

Hiring a professional water damage restoration company like Green Clean will increase the chances of salvage. The knowledge, experience, and special equipment of a professional
company will allow a thorough dry out that will prevent additional bacteria growth
 and an efficient decontamination and disinfection of affected areas.

Here is a brief list of what to keep and what to discard:


* Upholstered furniture may be impossible to salvage if it has been badly soaked
in gray or black water as fabrics will absorb a dangerous amount of sewage water and bacteria.
* Hardwood furniture can be salvaged if dried and decontaminated thoroughly within
 24-48 hours and no mold growth is found.
* Laminate furniture should be discarded because the contaminated water can penetrate into the particle board.
* Furniture made of particle board or pressed wafer board should be discarded as
they are very likely to absorb sewage water and bacteria.
* Appliances and electrical devices must be carefully examined, preferably by an
electrician. If dark water penetrated into your appliances, do not use them until they are
determined clean and safe.
* Toys must be discarded. Discard all stuffed toys. Even if you think
you can completely clean and disinfect these items, keep in mind that they may badly affect
 your child’s safety. Discard any item a toddler or baby might put in his mouth.
* Fabrics, clothes and linen are very hard to clean and salvage. You may want to consider
 sending damaged fabrics and textiles to a professional dry cleaning facility.
* Discard all foods and medicines, including garden produce, that have come in contract
with flood waters. Only foods sealed in airtight metal cans that are not bulging or damaged
 and have been properly sanitized can be saved.
* Clean and sanitize dishes, cooking utensils and food preparation areas before using them.
* Discard wooden cutting boards, baby bottle nipples and pacifiers, since
it’s nearly impossible to safely clean them.

If you do have a water damage problem in your
home call Green Clean Carpet Care Restoration at
763-789-9600 for immediate assistance.