If you’ve had a flooded basement from a pipe bursting due to cold temperatures, you already know how important it is to keep pipes from freezing. Single-digit and subzero temperatures can cause even the most well-insulated pipes to freeze. Uninsulated pipes are at risk when temps dip below freezing.

Freezing creates pressure in the pipe that causes cracks or breaks, so when the water thaws, it blasts from the newly formed crack, flooding your home. Unsupervised, a busted pipe can cause a flooded basement and tens of thousands of dollars in damage in your home.

The good news is there are ways to protect your pipes against freezing temperatures. Keeping pipes and the water in them above freezing means you don’t need to worry about cracking, busting, bursting, or a flooded basement.

What are five things you can do to prevent pipe freezes?

1. Run the Heat 

If the house you’re worried about is empty and you’ve turned off the heat to save money, now is the time to turn it back on. Leaving the heat running when the house isn’t occupied is one of the best ways to keep temperatures high enough to prevent frozen pipes.

Homes that are occupied on a full-time basis can run the heat as usual, although an extra degree or two when temps drop below zero won’t hurt. But if you’re headed on a winter getaway or a house has no current residents, make sure the heat stays set at a minimum of 50 degrees during the colder weather. This prevents freezing and means you won’t be returning home to a flooded basement.

2. Drip the Faucet

Keeping the water in pipes moving reduces the risks associated with freezing. Open any faucets connected to potentially problematic pipes far enough to allow a slight drip. This won’t prevent the pipe from freezing, but it can prevent it from bursting because it relieves the pressure.

3. Open Cabinet Doors

If your home is like many others, you probably have pipes located under cabinets. When temperatures drop, you should open these cabinet doors to allow the heat in your home to reach the pipes.

4. Install Heating Tape

Heating tape wraps around pipes and keeps them warm when temperatures plummet. You can choose from tape that turns on and off automatically or tape that plugs into an electrical outlet. This works best for small sections of pipe that have the highest risk for freezing. Heating tape should be installed by a professional to ensure it’s used safely and isn’t exposed to any combustible materials.

5. Increase Insulation

Insulation is your home’s best friend when it’s cold outside. If you have pipes that are in an area that isn’t insulated all that well, it’s a good idea to increase the amount of insulation to keep them from freezing. There are several different types of insulation that can be installed around your at-risk pipes to keep them warm. A professional can help you choose the best type of insulation for your circumstances and make sure it is installed properly.

One final tip: Remember, it’s not only homes located in cold climates that are at risk for freezing. In fact, homes in areas that tend to be warmer usually don’t have the insulation needed to stand up to the occasional cold snap. It’s a good idea to have your pipes checked regardless of where you’re located so you’ll know they are properly protected and you don’t need to worry about freezing, bursting, or flooded basements.

If you’d like more tips for dealing with winter weather or you need to speak to someone about a burst pipe or flooded basement, contact Rapid Dry Restoration at 303.710.8423.

There are plenty of reasons why you should contact a professional water damage restoration company after a flood. Mold prevention and removal are two of the most important.

Mold is a serious problem when it grows in your home. Not only can it damage the structure of the house, but it also poses a health risk for those living in the home.

Exposure to mold can trigger allergic reactions, lung problems, and other health issues. If you or your loved ones are sensitive to mold, an allergic reaction can cause sneezing, runny nose, red eyes, and skin rash. Mold can trigger asthma attacks and other breathing problems, even in those who are not sensitive. In addition to affecting people with asthma and allergies, mold tends to cause health problems for infants and children, the elderly, people with compromised immune systems, and people with chronic lung disease.

What is Mold?

Mold is a fungus. It can be found just about anywhere, but when mold spores are concentrated indoors in larger amounts, they tend to cause problems. Mold can be many different colors and textures, so it is always best to have a professional evaluate the situation.

Mold thrives when an environment is moist. This is why water damage restoration is the first step in any mold removal project.  Mold can grow inside of your walls, on and under your floods, on carpet, and furniture. Any time anything in your home gets wet there is a risk for mold growth if the surface or item is not completely dried out immediately.

How Can You Tell You Have a Mold Problem in Your Home?

In some cases, you’ll see mold growing on a surface, but this isn’t always the case. Usually, mold growth is discovered after the homeowner notices mildew or a musty smell. These odors are often associated with basements because there is so much moisture underground, but it’s possible if you have mold in your home you’ll notice the smell elsewhere.

If you have any reason to suspect a mold problem in your home or something occurred, such as a flood that would put your home at a higher risk for mold growth, you need to contact a professional mold remediation specialist.

Can You Clean Up Mold without Professional Help?

Although there are plenty of DIY recipes available online for mold cleanup, the truth is you shouldn’t attempt to do anything with mold without assistance from professional mold experts. A mold inspection and removal should be part of any water damage restoration project. Disturbing patches of mold releases spores into the air that can not only aggravate the health of those living there but result in mold growth occurring in areas nowhere near the original water damage.

Water damage restoration and mold removal specialists have the appropriate tools for identifying, containing, and removing mold. This ensures that no further damage will be done to your home after mold is discovered. There is also a chance that whatever mold you’re able to remove on your own is only a fraction of what is growing under your carpet or in your walls. You need professionals to identify the problem areas and ensure that a thorough removal job is done. Professional mold experts have access to equipment and technology that allows them to get to the root of the problem, fix it, and restore your home to a safe living environment for you and your loved ones.

For more information on water damage restoration and mold removal, or to speak to someone if you believe mold growth is a problem in your home, contact Rapid Dry Restoration at 303.710.8423.

Water clean up after a flood can feel overwhelming. Not only can the damage be extensive, but making a mistake during the cleanup phase can put your family in danger. This is why it’s so important to work with professionals who understand the ins and outs of water cleanup.

One of the areas most affected when a flood occurs is the floor. Some areas are equipped to handle water exposure and won’t require much cleanup. For instance, a flood in the bathroom, laundry room, or kitchen usually isn’t as devastating as one in a living space or other carpeted area.

If there’s been a flood in your home and you need help with water cleanup, what’s the best way to dry your carpet?

Why You Need to Take Carpet Drying and Cleanup Seriously

Wet carpet poses a health risk if it’s left untreated. It’s a breeding ground for mold and other contaminants and will begin to smell bad after just a few days. The good news is if you call in a professional team of expert carpet cleaners and water restoration specialists, you’ll eventually have a safe place that’s as good as new.

The restoration process begins with carpet drying. In some cases, you might need to tear up the damaged carpet and replace it, but there are instances in which carpet affected by water damage can be fixed.

The first step a team of carpet drying professionals will take is to use professional extraction equipment to remove as much water from the carpet and padding as possible. These types of vacuums are designed to suck up water and the heavy-duty ones used by professionals do a great job of pulling moisture from your carpet.

If the water has seeped through to the padding it will likely need to be replaced. It’s not quite as durable as carpeting and since it’s sandwiched in between the floor and the carpet, there’s a greater risk for moisture getting trapped and mold to grow. To replace the padding, you’ll need to pull up your carpet, remove and dispose of the padding, and dry and sanitize the floor. Then new padding can be laid and your existing carpeting can be reinstalled once it’s completely dry.

Most homeowners opt to work with a professional team to help with the cleanup and drying phase after a flood. It’s possible to do the work on your own, but it’s time-consuming and can end up costing you more in the long-run.

Equipment for Drying Carpet

During the drying process, you’ll want to use specialized air movers and dehumidifiers to speed the time it takes to dry and to ensure all moisture is removed from the area. A professional water cleanup team will have these pieces of equipment and other devices designed to make the water removal process as efficient as possible.

In most cases, the complete drying time for carpeting will take about three to five days. You’ll want to begin the process as soon as possible after the carpet is exposed to water to prevent further damage and stop mold and any bacteria from starting to grow.

Contacting a water cleanup team after a flood is the most important thing you can do to prevent further damage and make sure the water removal and cleaning process is handled properly. If you’re dealing with water damage or need help after a flood, contact Rapid Dry Restoration at 303.710.8423.

This time of year, water damage and restoration companies receive a lot of calls about burst pipes and flooding. Unfortunately, pipes that aren’t properly insulated are at risk of freezing and bursting when temperatures dip low. And when you’re in an area that sees subzero temps, the risk of freezing exists even if your home and pipes are well- insulated.

What Causes Pipes to Burst?

Though freezing temperatures are the main culprit, the science behind burst pipes has more to do with ice and pressure. Ice has more volume than water, so when the water inside of a pipe freezes it expands and creates pressure. That pressure builds up and eventually cracks or breaks the pipe.

Once the water thaws or if any unfrozen water reaches the damaged area, it has only one place to go: out of the pipe. This is why turning on faucets helps prevent bursting and flooding – it relieves the pressure so even if the water freezes it won’t result in any major flood damage.

A Pipe in My Home Burst – What Now?

The first thing you should do the moment you notice a pipe has frozen or burst is to turn off the main water supply. This prevents any flooding because no water will be flowing into your home.

Next, you’ll want to contact a professional restoration company. They can identify where the problem has occurred, if you aren’t sure, and make any needed repairs. Most restoration companies have plumbers they can quickly call on as well if needed.

It’s important to remember that you shouldn’t enter a flooded area until you know it is safe and that there is no risk of electrocution. If any flooding occurred because you did not identify the problem in time, you’ll need to work with a professional restoration company for help with cleanup.

What’s the Benefit of Having Pros Help You with a Burst Pipe?

The most obvious reason you’ll want to call in professionals when you have a pipe freeze or burst in your home is that they can get the problem under control as quickly as possible. Your goal is to prevent damage as much as you can and repair any damage that did occur as quickly as possible. Professional restoration companies can help you with this.

Restoration companies can assist you with:

• Identifying the exact location of the burst pipe and the damage caused to your property
• Determining the water’s path through your home using professional equipment
• Identifying areas in your home affected by water damage, including ceilings, walls, flooring, fixtures, and mechanical damage
• Determining the best plan of attack regarding cleanup and restoration

Can I Handle a Burst Pipe without Professional Help?

You might be tempted to DIY cleanup and restoration after a pipe bursts in your home, but this can be a big mistake. Keep in mind, it’s not enough to just dry out the area and replace anything that was damaged in terms of carpeting or furniture. Surfaces need to be professionally cleaned and an assessment must be done to ensure there is no risk for mold and other hazards. Professional water restoration companies also have the experience and equipment to ensure the job is done right the first time, which can save you a lot of money in the long run.

Restoration companies use a variety of tools to help you with flooding and water damage, including:

• Dehumidifiers
• Air movers
• Heating system
• Thermal imaging cameras
• Meters to measure moisture
• Wood floor drying systems
• Desiccant dehumidifiers
• Anti-microbial solutions
• Water extraction units
• Wall-cavity drying

Restoration companies offer a comprehensive service plan that ensures your home is properly cleaned and free of contamination after a flood. If you’re dealing with a burst pipe or need help after a flood, contact Rapid Dry Restoration at 303.710.8423.

There are several things you should do after a flood. The most important is preventing any further damage. You don’t want to do anything that is going to make the situation worse or result in a more extensive cleanup process.

The best way to make sure your situation doesn’t get any worse is to contact a professional water damage restoration company. This way you’ll have professional support with the cleanup right from the very beginning.

The first 24 hours after a flood are important. How things are dealt with during this crucial time affects everything about the long-term damage and health of your home. Immediately calling on professional water damage and restoration experts can save you a great deal of time, money, and headaches.

What steps should be taken after a flood to prevent further damage and return things to normal as quickly as possible?

Prevent Additional Risk

The most important concern after a flood is the health and safety of you and your loved ones. If you were forced to evacuate your home because of a flood, you need to make sure it’s safe before you return. It’s also important to check for structural damage of the property and make sure there are no risks from gas, electric, or sewer lines before entering the building.

It’s also important to make sure you are safe from contaminated water. If you need to enter a flooded area, wear waterproof boots and do not let the water touch your bare skin.

Considering the chaos that follows a flood, it’s a good idea to seek professional assistance to ensure it is safe to re-enter your home and begin the cleanup process.

Take Photographs

Next, you’ll want to take pictures of the damage. This needs to be done before you remove any water or make repairs, but should not put any people or property at risk for greater damage.

Once an area is safe, take photos of the areas affected and make sure they are stored safely. You’ll eventually need to share the photos with your insurance company and if you apply for any kind of aid.

Contact Your Insurance Company

You’ll need to notify your homeowners’ insurance company as soon as possible after a flood. It’s common for agents to be busy when there is a flooding event that affects a region, so be patient if you’re dealing with a storm or other widespread event. You might need to contact the company directly, as opposed to your specific agent if he or she lives in the area and is also affected by flooding.

Keep in mind, only certain types of flooding and water damage are covered by standard homeowners’ insurance. You’ll need to work with your insurer to determine the cause of the flood and the extent of your coverage. Make sure you document all information you receive from emergency responders, water restoration professionals, insurance representatives, and others involved in the aftermath of the flood.

Also keep in mind that if government officials declare a disaster, it provides you access to increased resources and financial assistance.

Water Removal Process

The next step is the water removal process. Working with a professional water damage restoration company is the best way to ensure this phase runs smoothly. Professionals also have access to equipment that makes cleanup easier and faster.

Mitigate Mold Damage

One of the biggest concerns after water damage is mold growth. This is another reason it’s so important to contact water damage restoration specialists after a flood because they’ll do what’s needed to prevent mold from developing.

The hours, days, and weeks following a flood are a crucial time when it comes to preventing long-term damage. If you need to speak to someone about flood damage or you have a flooding emergency and need immediate service, contact Rapid Dry Restoration at 303.710.8423.

Working with a professional water damage restoration company offers several benefits. Most notably, it ensures that a bad situation will not be made worse. Professional water damage restoration makes containment, cleanup, and restoration less of a hassle after a flood.

Having a professional company help you with flood damage means the job will be done right. It’s an investment in your home or business and prevents many long-term maintenance and health issues. You’ll have peace of mind knowing you’ll get comprehensive cleanup, as opposed to just dealing with the obvious damage.

Remember, water damage can cause many secondary issues. It seeps into cracks and crevices, soaks into carpeting and floorboards, and is the first component in mold growth. Having a professional assess the problem and thoroughly deal with it saves you a tremendous amount of hassle in the long run.

The benefits of hiring a professional water damage restoration company include:

Immediate Response and Speedy Service

Most water damage restoration companies, including Rapid Dry, are on-call for emergencies. We understand how important it is to respond quickly when there is water damage. Our fast response ensures the dry out and cleanup processes begin as quickly as possible.

Expert Guidance

It’s possible to handle a water damage emergency on your own, but you’re only asking for trouble. Having the guidance of an expert ensures the job is done properly and you won’t end up with serious long-term issues. After flooding, you need a comprehensive cleanup plan and a professional water damage restoration company provides this.

Access to State-of-the-Art Equipment

There are plenty of ways to dry out after water damage, but DIY solutions tend to extend how long drying takes. When you contact a professional water damage restoration company, you’ll gain access to equipment that speeds drying time and helps you get your life back to normal as quickly as possible.

Safe Cleanup

One of the biggest concerns you have after a flood is contamination and how it could affect your health. You don’t need to put your loved ones at risk when you’re already dealing with the damage caused by flooding. A professional water damage restoration company knows what risks there are after water damage and can work to mitigate those risks as quickly as possible.

Lessen the Damage Impact

Working with a professional water damage restoration company after a flood is an investment. It prevents further losses and allows you to restore your home as efficiently as possible. Opting not to contact a professional after a flood can end up costing you more over time and create an even bigger problem than the one you already face.

Contacting a professional water damage restoration company after a flood is one of the smartest things you can do. In addition to making sure the cleanup and restoration processes are handled properly, it can also alleviate the hassle of dealing with homeowners’ insurance companies.

If you need to speak to someone about how a professional water damage restoration company can help you or you have a flooding emergency and need immediate service, contact Rapid Dry Restoration at 303.710.8423.