Showing posts with label water damage restoration. Show all posts
Showing posts with label water damage restoration. Show all posts

Wednesday 1 August 2018

Things you need to know about standing water

Things you need to know about standing water
Pic Credits: flickr

What is standing water?


Standing water can be defined as a pool of water, no matter what the size, it remains stagnant. Natural events like heavy rainfall, floods or storms often contribute to standing water. But it can also occur due to situations such as leaky pipe or bucket, pipe burst, leaky faucet, sewage backup, if not tackled on time. Standing water becomes hazardous over a period of time due to contaminants present in it, posing a severe risk to your health.

Where can standing water be found?


Standing water can occur in almost any area where the ground surface is not able to absorb the water resulting in water pooling. During excessive rains or storms, water gets accumulated on the ground if there is no outlet thus leading to water stagnation. The same applies to streets, where the drainage system is not sufficient to push out or sop up the water into the ground. In cities, standing water can occur when sewer systems suffer from inadequate infrastructure, thus unable to disperse heavy amounts of rainwater.

Which are the areas most prone to water stagnation?


Water stagnation is a common problem in properties that are not maintained or abandoned. There’s also a good chance of water getting accumulated when broken pipes are not repaired, flat roofs and lawns are not looked after. Homes that have swimming pools which are not in use, collect all the rainwater and eventually become a breeding ground for bacteria, algae, and insects.

What are the threats when it comes to health?


According to research, standing water eventually houses various bacteria and insects like mosquitoes, fleas, etc. It becomes a perfect environment for them to breed. The larvae after maturing carry and transmit deadly diseases. Mosquito breeding is quite common in standing water. It can be a source of diseases like malaria, dengue, etc.

Standing water is also conducive to mould and mildew growth. Mould could give rise to respiratory problems like sneezing, runny nose, cough, among others.


How can one avoid standing water in their home?


It is very important to prevent such a situation from occurring, to keep health issues at bay and protect your property from damage. Having regular checks for water buildup in lawns, on roofs, in the pools and around your home is a must. If you notice any stagnant water in these areas, get help immediately. Avoid cleaning any standing water on your own as this could have been stagnant for an undefined period of time, making it highly contaminated.

See also: Does your septic tank need emptying?

When an event contributes to the accumulation of water in unnecessary areas and causes substantial damage to property, turn to us for help. We provide water damage restoration as well as mould inspection and mould removal services to restore your home. Call us on 0427 411 789 to fix an appointment.

Wednesday 23 May 2018

5 common causes of water damage

5 common causes of water damage
Pic credit: flickr.com
Water damage is a result of excess water accumulating for long periods in damage-prone areas. Several factors can cause water to pool leading to water damage. It is important to know what these factors are and take precautionary measures to help protect your home from avoidable disasters. Below outlined are common undetected causes that contribute massively to water damage.


Pipe bursts or leaks

Pipes that burst or leak are one of the most common factors that lead to water damage. These often happen as a result of pressure in pipes caused by a blockage or back up in the toilets and drains. Pipes that are old and worn out can also contribute to leakages.


Plumbing issues/failures

While some plumbing problems are hard to identify as they occur within the walls, many issues arise when hoses and pipe joints are not attached properly. Regular inspections under the sink can help keep plumbing problems in check.


Household appliances

Over a period of time, washing machines, dishwashers, water heaters, and refrigerators start to deteriorate. As a result, pipes develop a rust build up and tend to crack, while the hoses become weak. Of all the appliances, the most common ones that contribute to water damage are hot water tanks and washing machines. It is important to perform timely checks for any possible hazard.


HVACs

Heating, ventilating and air conditioning units are likely culprits that could cause considerable water damage. Air conditioners in particular need to be serviced regularly, drained and maintained well to avoid any moisture build up within them. If not done, once the moisture cools, it can come in contact with mould spores in ducts and promote mould growth.


Natural disasters

When it comes to natural catastrophes, all you can do is take precautionary measures to mitigate their impact on your home. Floods, hurricanes and other natural disasters can all lead to a dangerous accumulation of contaminated water. In such cases, it is important to contact a water damage restoration company immediately to have the property remediated before the situation worsens.

If your home is in a bad state due to the above or any other reasons, call our expert team for effective water damage restoration services on 0427411789.

Thursday 5 April 2018

Is your home infested with black mould?

Is your home infested with black mould

Black mould or Stachybotrys chartarum is a fungus which is considered to be one of the most dangerous of its kind. It grows in dark, moist/damp places in the house like on the walls, tiles, ceilings and wooden cabinets. It not only gives your house an unkempt appearance but also poses a risk of several health problems to the inhabitants. Below are signs that will help you detect the presence of black mould in your house before it’s too late.

1. Musty odour

Mould has a musty, earthy and stale smell. Even if you do not see any mould but notice a peculiar smell when you enter an area in the house, it is a telltale sign of mould's presence. It is important to have the whole house inspected as mould could be hiding and growing underneath moist wallpapers, carpets, or in washing machines, air conditioning, etc.

In many cases, the occupants get accustomed to this musty, damp smell. Hence, it is advisable to have a friend to come over and detect if there are any odd smells.


2. Visible dark spots

Another sign that tells you black mould could be growing in your house is the appearance of black or dark green spots on the ceilings or walls. Black mould appears in clusters and often looks slimy. Even if you feel these spots are anything but mould, they could be due to water damage or standing water, which could lead to mould growth.

When you notice these spots are a result of water damage, call a water damage restoration specialist to clean and remediate the site as well as to check if there are any other areas that have suffered damages to avoid mould problems.

3. Effects on health

The most common health effects of black mould are allergic reactions. The symptoms include watery eyes, runny nose, coughing, wheezing, itchy eyes, headaches, fatigue, and skin irritation. If anyone in your house has been experiencing these symptoms for a while, it is best to have the entire house checked for mould by a professional.

4. Visible mould growth

At times, the growth of black mould in your house may be easily visible. While it is usually black in colour, furry and slimy, its colour may differ. In some cases, it may have hints of dark brown, greenish-black, or even orange or white.

No matter what the colour, every kind of mould needs to be removed thoroughly and the affected area should be disinfected properly.

If you suspect you may have a mould problem, call us on 0427 411 789 and we’ll take care of the rest.

Thursday 15 March 2018

What should one do if a pipe bursts


A pipe burst can happen any moment and cause severe water damage to your home. If you find yourself in a situation where a pipe has burst it is important to take the following steps to minimise the water damage and cost of repair.

Shut off the water Supply:


First and foremost, turn off the main water supply to stop the water flow. Next, turn on all the cold faucets to drain out all the water. This will help to ease the existing pressure in the pipes. Then switch off the heating system and turn on all the hot taps to release all the remaining water. Don't forget to flush all the toilets. Once all the water has been drained, there will be no leakages.


Locate the break:


It is important to find out which pipe and where exactly it burst to avoid further damages. Once you've identified that, you will get an idea of what should be your next step. For example, if the burst occurred due to a tiny crack, you can fix the issue by patching it up. If the break or crack is in the main water pipe, it should be handled and repaired cautiously.


Reach out to professionals:


If there are any water damages, immediately switch off the main electricity supply and do not touch any wet appliances. In situations where cleaning and repair is beyond your capacity, it is important to call a professional water damage restoration company to clean, dry and restore your home. Simultaneously, hire a professional plumber to repair or replace the burst pipes. And if the house has suffered any electrical damages, for instance, if the wiring has been damaged, call a reliable electrician to repair it. Do not attempt to clean and repair on your own as this could be dangerous or further worsen the damage.


Contact your Insurance company:


In an event like this, it is best to file an insurance claim by approaching your insurance company. The insurance agent will advise you what steps need to be taken to process your insurance claim. The insurance agent will come and assess the extent of water damage in your home. Documentation of the damage is a must and this can be done using a digital/video camera.


Preventive measures:


No doubt, it is easy to call some professionals to repair a damaged pipe and restore a water-damaged home. Yet, it is important to take precautionary steps to avoid such damages in the first place. Taking preventive measures is much simpler than fixing burst pipes and restoring a home and doesn't even burn a hole in one's pocket.

For expert water damage restoration services, turn to Bio Cleanse Services. Our restoration efforts will ensure that your home is returned to you damage free. To know more, call us on 0412 547 547.

Thursday 23 November 2017

Bio-hazard cleaning – why and what?

Mention the term bio-hazard, and we think of a risk to human health or the environment arising from biological work, especially with microorganisms. In simple words, if any living organism comes in contact with a biological hazard, it can pose a threat to its health.

We might know what a bio-hazard material is and what the causes are for it. But do you know what is involved in a bio-hazard clean-up?

If you do know (Great!), if not, then go ahead and read this blog.

When a bio-hazard clean-up takes place, the situation is completely assessed with caution and all items like carpet, furniture, wallpaper, etc. are removed and dealt with carefully. They get disposed in bio-hazard bags at a federal and state regulated site for disposal. If you think wearing a safety gear is enough to take up the task for a bio-hazard cleaning then you’re wrong, because no family member, colleague or regular cleaner are trained to deal with bio-hazardous situations. A professional however will have blood-borne pathogen (BBP) training, own protective gear, would be receiving regular inoculation of Hepatitis B vaccine and exposure evaluation.

Therefore bio-hazard cleaning is no layman task and requires well trained and equipped professionals. Bio Cleanse Services is a company dedicated to clean and remediate the affected area by following strict guidelines in the clean-up, removal and disposal of bio-hazardous/bio-medical waste.

So if you’re caught in a bio-hazard situation? Call Bio Cleanse at 042 741 1789 or visit our website: http://www.bio-cleanse.com.au/ . We are here to help

Thursday 16 November 2017

10 point checklist for a flooded home

10 point checklist for a flooded home

The impact of a flood whether big or small, on homes and other properties can be quite devastating. If you ever find your home caught amidst a flood, do not panic. Call for restoration services of a professional cleaning company to repair the damaged property. However, immediate action will help to prevent any further damage including problems like mould.

Before the experts can reach your doorstep, there is a list of things you need to take care of:
  1. Shut off the water supply. Avoid any further water damage from leaky appliances, broken pipes or blocked drains.
  2. Before you begin to remove all electronic items and home appliances from wet areas, make sure the power supply is turned off.
  3. Do not switch on the lights while working in areas affected by a flood.
  4. Capture a few shots of the area prior to the restoration process as documentation for insurance purpose.
  5. Wear protective gear before starting to clean the damaged area to prevent direct contact with contaminants.
  6. To avoid stubborn stains on the carpet, place aluminium foil below furniture legs.
  7. Lift curtains and pin up furniture skirts to keep them from coming in contact with wet flooring or carpets.
  8. Remove delicate and high-value items that are prone to rust and corrosion immediately.
  9. Dispose of food, utensils, and tableware that have been contaminated due to flood water.
  10. Reach out to your insurance provider to claim for damages. 
After handling the flood damage till here, turn to the experts at Bio Cleanse Services. Call us on 0427411789 and let us take on the remediation procedure. Our technicians are highly trained and equipped with the best of equipment to ensure they restore your premises back to a clean and safe condition.

Friday 11 August 2017

Common questions answered on water damage



Water damage is the one of the widely known reasons that damage your property. Whether you are at your home or at your office, it’s only a matter of time when you will encounter this water damage problem. Being affected by water damage means your building or home will absorb moisture leading to serious damage and mould growth. We have listed some of the most frequently asked questions on water damage.

What are the top reasons for water damage?

Water damage can be divided into two factors, external damage and internal water damage. External water damage or natural disasters like flood, heavy rains, high level of humidity, etc can cause the problem. Internal water damage cause are bursting of pipes, leaky appliances, damaged roof, sewage overflow etc.

Is water damage an emergency?

Yes, it is. The longer you ignore or leave it untreated the damage will spread. Thus making it even more worse. When water damage occurs, mould growth is a common issue. It can affect your well-being and your property. A sewage overflow spreads contaminants that cause serious health problems, infection and disease.

What steps must I take if I experience a water damage situation?

You must call a professional like bio-cleanse services who will thorough cleaning & drying of water damage affected areas & items. Services areas include Sydney, Goulburn, Canberra, Batemans Bay or surrounding NSW. Never walk into a room flooded with water if electricity is still on. In case of structural damage vacate the area.

How will the water damage restoration company help me?

Water damage restoration company will find the source of the water damage and extract the water materials, remove the affected materials like furniture, carpeting and much more. All items affected by water damage can be dried, restored or disposed of depending on the damage caused. They will also clean and disinfect the area so that you can live in a healthy environment all over again.

Contact Bio-Cleanse Services of any of your water damage emergency – 0427 411 789.


Tuesday 23 May 2017

Basement afloat


When we see a house, we see picket fences, well-painted walls, perfect wooden furniture and the ambiance of rooms. But does anyone check the basement! Why not?

Basically, the basement is a spare storage area in a house. Over the years, junk gets piled up and this can create an ideal space for micro-organisms to breed. Beneath all stored items, there could be a water leakage you would not even know about. Water leakages can not only lead to mould generation but can also damage other household properties. These effects link to several health issues like asthma, allergies, rashes, etc.

In cases like this, people tend to worry about the house flooding or damage caused to life and property. It's best advised to be prepared at all times and we at Bio Cleanse Pty Ltd along with our team of trained professionals help you get rid of the damage in a safe and systematic manner.


To know more about us and the services we provide, like our page on Facebook https://www.facebook.com/BioCleanseAustralia/ or visit our website: http://www.bio-cleanse.com.au/services/

Friday 20 January 2017

Water damage: Simple tips for repairs & restorations

In our everyday life, we might forget to look after certain household maintenance which could lead to problems. There are many scenarios that may cause water damage. The following could be the reasons:
  • Leaking or Overflowing sinks, bathtubs, toilets or pipes
  • Backed up sewage and septic tank lines
  • Heavy rain or storms

But no matter what be the reason, it is small steps that make a big change. Here are a few simple tips that you can implement at home:
  • Clean and maintain your gutter and drains
Make sure to get half-yearly checks on your household drainage system to avoid cracks or blockage of pipes by leaves and roots. Also have your roof annually checked for cracks or pooling of water.

  • Don’t pour grease down the drain
Pouring grease or any oily substance down the drain cause blockages and can cling to pipes. Even if you rinse your sink with hot water, it would not help much.

  • Install backflow valves and standpipes
By installing this mechanism, it automatically prevents sewage spills or water damage from entering your surroundings.

At Bio Cleanse Pty Ltd we clean, restore and remediate the damage. Our team of qualified & experienced professionals have all the skills, expertise, equipment and experience necessary to handle even the most challenging water damage restoration situations.


If you need our help, contact us at 042 741 1789 or visit our website http://www.bio-cleanse.com.au/services/water-damage-restoration/ . We are always at your service!!

Thursday 2 June 2016

Leaky Pipes? Is consulting a plumber the ultimate solution?


Has your place ever been damaged with water? Perhaps water pipe leakage? Did you repair it all by yourself or did you consult a plumber? Have you ever consulted professionals to do the cleaning? If your answer is ‘No’, then you might have noticed mould growth over the walls. What possibly can be the reason for it? Yes, it is due to improper cleaning after water damage.

Bio Cleanse - Water Damage Restoration Services

Here is a list of few damages that could happen in case you do not consult professionals.

  • Leaky roofs damage ceilings to such an extent that the plaster could peel off and the paint could darken. The surrounding portion of walls could also be affected. Mould could grow over the surface making it shabby in appearance and dangerous to health.
  • Electrical gadgets like ceiling fans and the lights could also suffer damage. There might be a high risk of electrical shocks or fire in such cases.
  • Water leaks could also tamper with the flooring. Damage to the carpet will be caused for sure and so to the flooring. If your flooring is made of wood, then there are fair chances that it could rot.
  • Water leaking from corroded or cracked pipes are sometimes left unattended. A bucket or some other vessel is placed under it as a temporary solution to this problem. Have you ever thought that this bucket or vessel could turn out to be breeding grounds for mosquitoes and various other micro-organisms? You and your family could possibly be at high risk to many insect and other organism-borne diseases.

The costs to repair all these damages could turn out to be a considerably large amount. Instead, when you notice anything in its nascent stage, consult us at Bio Cleanse. We can help with all kinds of water damage.


Visit our website http://www.bio-cleanse.com.au/ for more details.

Wednesday 20 January 2016

When your house is flooded with excess water... Bio Cleanse Pty. Ltd to your rescuse


When your house/office is flooded with excess water… When each and every second is precious... Who can you count on? You need a professional water damage restoration service to your rescue! Here, we at Bio Cleanse Pty. Ltd. come into the picture.


Water flooding is a dangerous event for any residential or office area. Along with fire, electricity and gas: water is one of the most dangerous ways of naturally harming your house or building.


Water damage restoration is the process of restoring a property back to pre-loss condition after sustaining any level of water damage. Hence when you are dealing with water damage, immediate action is crucial.

Water damage can be deceptive. Water can be in any nook or corner of your building or apartment. Therefore only professional and trained personnel can find such spots and do the needful in a fast and effective way with the help of professional tools. 

More than just removing excess water, water damage restoration process consists of having the knowledge and equipment to further dry a home or facility completely back to pre-loss conditions. Through timely response and the careful monitoring of water damage, mould and other health issues can be prevented. If water damage has been present too long, mould will occur.

Our trained specialists at Bio Cleanse Pty. Ltd. respond immediately and use advanced equipment and techniques to remove the excess water quickly. They closely monitor and document the drying process to verify if your property is dried properly and thoroughly and try to minimize the damage immediately.

We, as professionals, strive on doing our job with urgency, accurately, professionally and in time. From under water, we get it under control in the quickest possible time!

For services related to water damage restoration, call 042 741 1789 or visit - www bio-cleanse.com.au

Tuesday 19 January 2016

5 easy tips to prevent Water Damage

Knowing water damage warning signs in and around your home, can help you avoid big repair bills as well as time and trouble at a later date. 

1. Be careful where you plant: Some plants and trees 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 water lines.

2. Clean out roof gutters: Every Sunday, check out your gutters. If you’re seeing lots of leaves, bird nests and sticks, 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! 


3. Keep an eye on your water bill: With so many water pipes hidden behind walls and under 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.

4. Use a Drain Snake instead of unclogging chemicals: No matter how crazy clean you are, from your shower to your kitchen sink, clogs are bound to occur. 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 people do not realize that those caustic chemicals are also eating away at the pipes. Use a Drain Snake instead of harmful chemicals.

5. Never pour grease down your sink: 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 cling to your pipes, and could cause some serious damage and blockage.

Call us on 042 741 1789 or visit us on our website at http://www.bio-cleanse.com.au/ for professional assistance.

Wednesday 21 January 2015

Guidelines for water damage

Water damage can strike in the form of natural disasters like floods, cyclones, hurricanes or as a result of human activities like fire fighting, broken water pipes, leakages, accidents, vandalism, etc.

Damage to property, interruption to the business affecting individuals, businesses, and insurance sectors is immense. It is crucial to restore the damaged material as early as possible to avoid high replacement costs. 


What do we need to focus on after a water emergency? 

  • Identifying all affected materials & hidden pockets of water. 
  • Thorough cleaning & drying of water damage affected areas & items. 
  • Removal & safe disposal of damaged/dangerous items. 
  • Quick response service. 
  • Thorough cleaning & drying of items like upholstered furniture, carpets, rugs, etc. 
  • Minimize possibility of secondary damage. 
  • Minimize potential microbial growth. 
  • Property restoration. 
The cleaning process includes locating, identifying, containing, removing and properly disposing of unwanted substances from an environment or material. An area is considered ‘clean’ when contaminants, pollutants and undesired substances have been removed from an environment or surface, thereby reducing damage or harm to human health or materials.

When is a building considered to be dry?
  • The internal conditions are the same or better than normal room conditions.
  • The moisture on and in building materials themselves will not support active growth of mould and mildew.
  • The building materials and contents will finish returning to normal room conditions by themselves, without suffering further damage.
  • Sanitation and odour control also needs to be looked after and brought back to normal conditions.
Visit http://www.bio-cleanse.com.au/services/water-damage-restoration/ for immediate professional services on any water damage restoration cases.