Things you need to know about standing water

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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.

Sewage Spill - A Health Hazard

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A sewage spill is one of the most unpleasant situations that can occur in your home, not to mention one that can damage your property and cause serious sanitation problems. A septic tank backup, a toilet overflow, a clogged drain, or area flooding due to a natural calamity, all classify as water damage and can create a hazardous environment for your family. Also of paramount concern is the health risk of being exposed, especially to a sewage spill. If the spill is small, you can choose to clean it up yourself with specialized cleaning products to disinfect the area. But if the spill is massive, it’s best to call in the professionals. Even just being in the vicinity of the spill can put your family’s health at risk, because the contaminants contained in sewage and septic tank spills can cause serious illness or disease.

Here are a few things to keep in mind when a sewage spill occurs:

Evacuate

It is important to act quickly and evacuate all people with compromised immune systems, or problems like asthma. These would include young children, the infirm and the elderly, and even your pets. Ensure that nobody eats or drinks in the location of the spill.

Act quickly

The longer you are exposed to the sewage, the worse it gets, because bacteria spread quickly. Parasites, fungi and viruses are also among the agents found in raw sewage responsible for causing diseases like Hepatitis A. Allowing time to pass before clean-up may also create foul doors that will later be difficult to remove. Therefore, spills must be dealt with promptly.

Stay protected

Spills must also be dealt with in a safe manner, wearing protective gear, considering that one is handling infectious waste. Wear waterproof boots and gloves, a face mask, safety goggles or similar protective eyewear, and thick clothing which is best to throw away after the cleanup. If one already has any wounds, cuts or bruises on the body, they must be covered up so that they do not get exposed to sewage.

How long has it been there?

If the spill or overflow has happen when no one is around, it’s likely that it has been sitting around for some hours. It is probably too late to stop bacteria from spreading. Safety gear is essential in such a situation and breathing apparatuses are highly advised.

Mould growth

It is also necessary to protect other areas and your property such as furniture from the overflow. Water damage creates an environment conducive to the growth of mould or fungi. This can play havoc with your family’s health in the long run.

After the cleanup, the property must be thoroughly decontaminated, to create a safe and healthy environment in your home.

See Also: Proper sewage cleanup is necessary

Call in the pros

Getting professional help is necessary in case of a large spill. We at Bio Cleanse Services handle sewage cleanup in a professional manner. Apart from cleaning up the disgusting mess, we also clean carpet and upholstery, decontaminate and restore your property. Speed is our forte, and this would not only mean damage control but would also help you get back to normal life quickly. Call us on 0427 411 789.

5 common causes of water damage

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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.

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.

The long-term effects of Water Damage

Whether caused by a flooding or a simple leak in the roof, water damage can have catastrophic consequences on your home. While destroying your property, your furniture, electronics, it goes so far as to put your health at serious risk. Not to mention the damage it does to the resale value of your home.

Heavy rain, quick melting of snow, flash floods increase the possibility of water damage, made worse if your home lacks adequate waterproofing. Causes for water damage can range from a flood to a broken pipe, a sewer backup, broken fixtures, plumbing leaks, foundation cracks, clogged toilets, 
overflowing washing machines, 
faulty drainage systems, etc.

Water damage tends to start out unseen. The first and most critical step to fixing it is detecting it. It is important to have it remediated as soon as possible to prevent it from causing problems some of which are listed below.

Discoloration and Sagging

The unmistakable sign of a leak is discoloration of the ceiling, the beams roofing underlayment or of the walls. This can be considered the most minimal long-term water damage. When water accumulates in one spot resulting in a sudden bulge or change in the ceiling or walls, it causes the structure to ‘sag’.

Structural Damage

When a leak occurs, water seeps into drywall and gets absorbed. It causes the material to warp, chip or swell. If not treated quickly enough, it poses danger to the home’s structure.

• Constant exposure to water can result in the growth of fungi or mould, which then rots the structural wood. A worst case scenario is when the area at risk is an important structure of the house, like a support beam. It is of paramount importance to fix the leak and repair the damage. If ignored, it might just bring your roof down. 

• Concrete is more durable than wood. But, in cases such as flood damage, the accumulation of moisture in cracks and crevices can cause a host of problems including corrosion of steel inside the concrete structure.
• Water damage can also affect electrical wiring, the electrical circuit box, and electrical equipment in the house. This could risk the occurrence of power breakdowns at the least, and in worse situations, electrical burns and electrocution. 

Mildew and Mould 

One of the most common consequences of water damage is the growth and spread of mould in the house. Moisture trapped in a confined space quickly invites these microscopic fungi which destroy everything they touch and then continue to spread to other areas. Mould can potentially weaken the framework where a leak is located, thereby weakening the foundation of your home.

Health Risks

Mould produces spores, which when come into contact with water, proliferate, and begin to pollute the air. This poses a serious health risk. From aggravating allergy and asthma symptoms, from causing breathing difficulties, to respiratory diseases, mould affects children, the elderly and people whose immune systems have already been compromised.

As soon as a residence or any structure has been compromised by water damage, immediate cleanup and remediation is very important. If it is extensive, and you attempt to treat it yourself, you may not manage 100% damage control. In time, the lingering effects of the damage may come back to haunt your home and family. Your safest move would be to call in the professionals. Bio Cleanse Services is all equipped to help you in your toughest times. Call us on 0412 547 547 or visit our website to know more.

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.

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.

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.

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/

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!!

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.

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.