3 Signs You Have a Leaking Pipe

Some plumbing issues are blatantly obvious and involve significant volumes of water where it doesn’t belong. In other cases, however, a broken pipe can occur without obvious signs. The following tips are offered to assist homeowners in determining whether they have a broken or damaged pipe. Being able to identify common plumbing issues can help homeowners address problems in a timely manner and avoid expensive repairs or extensive water damage within the home.

Unusual Sounds

One of the most common indications of a broken pipe involves unusual or abnormal sounds. Strange whistling sounds can result if a pipe becomes dented. Because water is no longer able to flow freely through the pipe, whistling sounds result. Without being addressed, increased water pressure can cause the pipe to burst, necessitating an expensive repair and risking serious water damage.

Unusual Smells

Another indicator of a broken pipe is the presence of unusual or unpleasant odors. When pipes become broken or backed up, sewage is unable to exit the plumbing system properly. It is important to address the source of any foul odor within the home, as sewage poses a significant health risk to your family and pets.

Unusual Sights

The presence of puddles or standing water within your home can indicate a broken or damaged pipe. Homeowners often overlook small accumulations of water in the belief that the puddles are the result of spills or the handiwork of children or pets. It is important to take note of any area where water frequently accumulates, and to determine if the source is broken or damaged plumbing. Another sight that indicates a broken pipe is an unusually high water bill.

Homeowners should be aware that any unusual sounds, odors or sights can suggest broken or damaged pipes within the home. Addressing plumbing issues as they arise is an important step in home maintenance and can head off many more serious and expensive plumbing issues. A broken pipe is not uncommon and is a plumbing matter that can be quickly and easily handled by professional.

If you’re looking for professional building contractors for any water damage services, contact ICON Restoration today. 

5 Ways to Find a Water Leak in Your House

Water leaks can start out deceptively small, yet they add up to substantial damage to your house if they are not caught in time. Mold, rotted structural beams and ruined flooring are just a few types of damage that you can avoid by knowing how to check for water leaks. If you suspect a leak, use these five tips to identify its source so that you can get it repaired.

1. Follow the Trail

When you know a leak is occurring in a general area, such as under your sink, you can follow the drip up to the pipe. Provided that the leak is not hidden behind walls, you should see the exact spot from which it has sprung.

2. Check the Grass

Over time, the pipes running from the street to your house erode and become vulnerable to leaks. When this happens, you will see that the grass near the leak may be greener, and you will feel a water logged patch of the ground.

3. Listen to Your Toilet

Toilets are notorious for minor water leaks, and you can drop your water bill by taking the tank off and listening for sounds of water such as a hiss. You can also drop food coloring into the bowl, and watch to see if the water turns clear. If so, your toilet is leaking water and may need to be repaired.

4. Watch the Meter

Access the main water valve to your house and shut it off. Then, check to see if your meter is still spinning. If it is, then the leak is likely occurring outdoors, except for in the case of a leaky valve inside.

5. Seek Professional Support

Water leaks are notoriously difficult to identify, which means that you may need help finding the location from a professional. Promptly locating and repairing the source of the leak is essential for maintaining your home’s value.

If you’re looking for professional water damage repair services, contact the expert team at ICON Restoration today. From claim consulting to water damaged properties, we have professional, cleaning and consulting service at your convenience. Contact us today. 

claims consultant flooding 

Water Damage vs Flood Damage: What You Need to Know

There are a number of differences between water damage and flood damage. Water damage can be insidious, a small leak hidden behind a wall can cause a lot of costly structural damage before it is even discovered. Flood damage can be catastrophic, destroying not only a home, but everything in it. While furnishings and appliances can be replaced, some things, like treasured family heirlooms, are irreplaceable.

Thorough periodic inspections of plumbing, roofs, and gutters combined with regular home maintenance can prevent most water damage. In the event of a severe storm warning, windows can be covered with inexpensive sheets of plywood to avoid breakage, and sandbags placed strategically around low-lying areas.

Some flood damage is caused by faulty sewer systems, most often resulting in flooded basements. Others are caused by extreme weather systems, such as hurricanes. Because extreme flood warnings often require evacuation to save the most valuable thing any of us possesses, life itself, there is often little we can do to prevent flood damage.

What many people may not realize is that there is also a difference in insurance coverage for water damage and flood damage. Unlike water damage, flood damage is not covered by most standard homeowner insurance policies. Flood damage is considered the result of rising water, and water damage, the result of falling water. Under this definition, a flooded basement caused by rising water due to an overflowing sewer system would be considered flood damage.

As the rainy season approaches, homeowners would be wise to check their policies to clarify what type of coverage, and any exclusions, they may contain. If weather conditions in your area are such that those exclusions could adversely affect you, modifying your policy might be a good investment in ensuring the future of your home—and its valuable contents.

If you are seeking water damage repairs done by certified experts, contact the team at ICON Restoration today. 

Steps to Take Immediately After a Storm Damages Your Home

If a storm has caused damage to your home, your immediate goal should be to restore the safety of your home. Of course, you also need to begin immediately filing an insurance claim with your homeowner’s insurance provider.

The following are eight steps to recovering from a storm and filing a claim:

  • Assess the damage- Reestablishing the security of your home is the most important task to concentrate on right after a storm. Look out for structural problems that could cause accidents. Also, secure holes in your roof, windows, walls, or other home components-
  • Review your policy- Before you first contact your insurance company, you should re-familiarize yourself with policy details and determine if you should be eligible for compensation.
  • Call your insurance company- You should let your insurance company know what has happened as soon as possible. Ideally, they will immediately approve your claim and get to work on funding repairs.
  • Take photographs- Photographs serve as proof of the extent of storm damage to your home.
  • Collect some news coverage of the storm that caused the damage- By having news coverage of the storm, you’ll have proof of the weather event that caused damage to your home.
  • Save receipts when you have work done- If you have to pay for repairs out of pocket immediately after the storm, save the receipts so that you can be reimbursed for the expenses at a later date.
  • Meet with your adjuster- Any type of insurance claim typically requires a meeting with an adjuster during which the adjuster inspects, records, and verifies the damage .
  • Wait for your insurance payments- Insurance companies will typically send out payment for storm damage repairs in two payments. The first payment may be a materials deposit that allows you to pay for necessary construction materials that contractors need to begin work. Then, a later payment will cover the additional expenses.

If your property has suffered from any storm damage or water damage, contact the experts at ICON Restoration today. From building contractors to property restoration contractors, we have a team ready to handle any situation. Contact us today! 

Health Risks Associated with Mold

Besides bills, another issue that you likely deal with as a homeowner is mold. Mold is a non-scientific term for various types of unwanted fungi found both indoors and outdoors. Mold requires moisture (wet spots) to thrive. Different places that mold grows in your home include:

  • Carpet
  • Ceiling Tile
  • Bath Tub
  • Wallboard
  • Attic
  • Air Ducts
  • Window Seal
  • Front-Loading Washing Machine
  • Refrigerator Drip Pan
  • Chimneys

Not only is mold unpleasant to look at, but unpleasant for your health as well. Here are two health risks associated with mold.

Problems Breathing

Catching your breath may be a problem with mold around. In fact, if you suffer from asthma, it could be because you were mostly within a mold-infested home as a child. In one study, it was discovered that children who lived in homes with higher levels of mold at age one were more likely than other children to have asthma by the age of seven. Several other health studies have concluded that respiratory issues and mold are heavily associated. While it is not for certain that asthma and other breathing problems are due to mold, it shines a light on how unhealthy it is to be around.

Allergic Reactions

Have you been dealing with any of the following allergic symptoms lately while at home or work?

  • Sneezing
  • Runny or stuffy nose
  • Cough and postnasal drip
  • Itchy eyes, nose and throat
  • Watery eyes
  • Dry, scaly skin

If yes, then it is a good possibility that your environment contains a high level of mold. Breathing in tiny, airborne mold can cause those aforementioned allergic reactions. Not every type of mold causes allergies. Some of the most common molds that cause allergies include alternaria, penicillium, aspergillus, and cladosporium.

If you are looking for restoration services, contact the team at ICON Restoration.From custom home building to claim consulting and restoration services, we have a variety of services to satisfy your every need. Contact us today! 

Water Damage Restoration Process

If you’ve experienced water damage due to a leaky pipe or other reason, then you know how frustrating fixing the problem can be to take care of the problem. Water damage is a serious problem that could significantly damage your home and lead to bacteria growth. To ensure that you take care of the problem and reduce the need for subsequent mold remediation, you should have a better idea of what to expect when it comes to the process of water damage restoration.

Step 1. Our Team Assesses the Damage

Our team will meet you at your home to determine the extent of the damage caused by the water in your home. We will check your walls and flooring to determine the areas of your home that are affected by water damage. One this is done, we will develop an effective, yet efficient strategy for remedying the damage.

Step 2. Water Removal

Once hired, we start the process by removing excess water from your home. We use a variety of tools to do this, including pumps that rapidly remove large amounts of water from your home. Time is of the essence when you have water damage because mold can start to grow within 48 hours.

Step 3. Dehumidification

The next step in our process is ensuring that your home is dry. This step is critical to ensure you don’t have to battle with mold following the process. We use proprietary techniques to bring the moisture levels within the air down. Additionally, we make sure that your floors and walls are dry.

Step 4. Cleanup

Once your home is dry, we work to ensure that your belongings are cleaned. This step is the next step in reducing the instance of mold in your home.

Step 5. Repairs and Renovations

The last step in the process is renovating your home. We work to ensure that anything that is damaged by the water is restored to its original glory.

If you are in need of water damage restoration, we encourage you to give ICON Restoration a call immediately. The sooner we can assess your home; the sooner you can be back in your home stress-free.

From custom home building to claim consulting, we’ve got you covered. Contact us today!