How Do I Stop a Toilet That Won’t Stop Flushing?

9/13/2023 (Permalink)

Avoid a toilet flood in Bountiful, UT.

Running a business in Bountiful, UT, comes with various responsibilities, some of which can be quite an annoyance. A toilet overflow is terrible enough, but what about a commercial toilet with a faulty flushometer? As easy as they usually make life, like anything, things can sometimes go wrong with a flushometer. One common problem is the "never-ending flush," when the flushometer constantly runs water into the toilet with no sign of stopping. This can quickly waste hundreds of gallons of water and run your company's water bill through the roof. It can also take your only toilet out of commission for your employees and customers. Fortunately, it can often be an easy fix, so you probably won't have to worry about calling a plumber.

Fix a Faulty Flushometer To Avoid a Toilet Flood

These instructions are for repairing a manual flushometer. Taking these simple steps should solve your problem.

1. Shut Off the Water

First, you must shut off the toilet's water supply. You will typically need a flathead screwdriver for this job. You should see a screwdriver slot on one side of the flushometer. If you don't see a screwdriver slot, it may be hidden under a decorative cover. In this case, you should be able to pry the lid off with little effort to access the screwdriver slot. This will help avoid a leak while you work, particularly with a constantly running toilet.

2. Remove the Flushometer Lid

Next, you will need to remove the top lid of the flushometer. You will probably need a wrench to loosen the cover, but it should screw off with ease once it's loosened.

3. Remove the Flange Cover

You will now need to remove the flange cover. This can sometimes get a little messy with the accumulation of water that will come out when you take the lid off. Be sure to have a towel on hand.

4. Remove and Clean the Gasket

Under the flange cover, you will find a gasket. You will also probably notice a lot of sediment on the gasket. Remove the gasket and wash it thoroughly. Look closely, and you will see a weep hole built into the gasket. Although tiny, this hole is there for a reason and could be the main issue with your flushometer's poor performance; the weep hole helps control the suction of the toilet. To help avoid a toilet overflow, you'll need to clean the weep hole port with an unbent paperclip, needle, or some other object that is very small in width.

5. Reinstall the Gasket and Reassemble the Flushometer

Now that your gasket is clean reinstall it and reassemble the flushometer. Just go in the reverse order of the above instructions to ensure it's assembled correctly.

6. Test the Operation of the Toilet

Once the flushometer is put back together, test the toilet to see if the problem has been solved. If it is still not working correctly, it probably means the gasket is worn or damaged and needs replacement.

Sometimes you can't stop a toilet in time to keep it from overflowing. When this happens, it's nice to have the contact information for local water damage restoration specialists. After a toilet overflow, these professionals will ensure the affected area is thoroughly cleaned and sanitized.

4 Steps To Extinguish a Kitchen Grease Fire

8/31/2023 (Permalink)

Even the smallest flame can destroy your house in Bountiful, UT if the fire is not controlled on time.

Did you know that nearly two-thirds of household fires start in the kitchen, and the majority of those are caused by a grease fire? If a homeowner is not careful, a small, manageable fire can become a significant disaster.

How to put out a Grease Fire

Unfortunately, the majority of homeowners do not know how to put out simple grease fires. In fact, many homeowners will take actions that put themselves and their families at risk, like attempting to put the fire out with water or trying to move the pan or pot outside. If you want to avoid a significant fire cleanup, fire mitigation services in Bountiful, UT, recommend taking four steps to resolve a grease fire.

• Cover the flames
• Turn off the heat
• Use baking soda or salt
• Use a Class B dry chemical fire extinguisher

Control the Flames

When a fire starts, it can be shocking. If you do not have a lot of experience around flames, you might freeze as your brain tries to process what to do.

The best thing you can do when a cooking source ignites is cover it with a non-flammable item. For the best results, use a cookie sheet or metal pan lid. You’ll want to leave the cover on until the area has cooled.

The idea is to smother or deprive the flames of oxygen. Covering the pan is the quickest way to do that.

Eliminate the Heat Source

After covering the pan, you’ll want to eliminate the heat source. Many people make the mistake of taking the pan off of the stove. Do not move the pan. Moving a pan filled with grease risks spreading the fire. Instead of moving the pan, simply turn off the burner.

If you have an electric stove, you can move the pan carefully to another cooler burner. However, be aware that any movement risks spillage and the spreading of the fire or physical injuries.

Smother the Flames

If the fire is small enough, you can attempt to smother the flames with baking soda or salt. Do not use flour, baking powder, or other items that resemble baking soda and salt. Other things have different chemical makeups that could make the fire worse.

Baking soda and salt help to smother flames. However, if the fire is large, use the cookie sheet or pan lid instead.

Use an Appropriate Fire Extinguisher

Some people do not realize there are different types of fire extinguishers. The classification of fire extinguishers depends on the accelerants and chemical makeup of the various fires.

For a fire started from grease, a class B dry chemical fire extinguisher is best. You will want to use it the same way as any extinguisher, pulling the pin, aiming, squeezing the handle, and attacking the base of the flames.

A grease fire can be dangerous, especially if you panic and attempt to move the pan or douse it in water. However, if you follow the steps and advice outlined above, a small fire becomes something manageable. However, it is still good to call emergency services as even a small kitchen fire can become something much worse.

Stop Mold in Its Tracks After a Home Flood

8/31/2023 (Permalink)

A flooding can cause severe damage to your home.

Mold is virtually everywhere all the time; there's really no getting away from it. However, most of the time, it doesn't cause problems. If your floodwaters enter your Bountiful, UT, home, though, a mold problem can develop quickly and can get out of hand fast. Mold growth will begin approximately 24-48 hours after water exposure, so it's essential to start the remediation process as soon as possible.

How to prevent mold growth

1. Wear Personal Protective Equipment

Before you begin the cleanup process, whether you know there is mold or not, it's vital to wear PPE to protect yourself from whatever is in the water, whether mold, bacteria, or harmful chemicals. Safety goggles, respirators, and gloves are the minimum gear you should wear. You can also wear hair covers, coveralls, and shoe covers for a more severe job.

2. Let the Fresh Air In

If the humidity outside is less than the relative humidity in the house, open windows and doors to let some fresh air blow through. You can begin using fans and dehumidifiers to help the drying process along.

3. Extract All Excess Water

The easiest way to remove all standing water is with a wet/dry vacuum. If you don't have one, you can rent one at a hardware or home improvement store. Mops and towels will also do the job, but a wet/dry vacuum is the easiest and most efficient way to quickly extract the water and small, floating debris.

4. Remove Soaked Materials

All soaked materials that can be removed must be removed. Wet items will just add to the excess moisture of the area, further promoting mold growth. Anything porous, including wooden and upholstered furniture, carpeting and padding, drywall, insulation, papers, and stuffed toys, are just a few of the items that will be affected by floodwaters and moisture. Anything that can't be completely dried within 24-48 hours will generally not be salvageable.

5. Inspect for Mold

Next, it's essential to inspect for mold. You might smell a musty odor but see no signs of mold. Still, if you smell this odor, mold is probably growing somewhere in the area. Some areas to look for mold are on baseboards, ceilings, under flooring, and behind drywall. The only sure way to find all the mold, if there is any, is to hire mold remediation experts to do a thorough professional inspection.

6. Clean and Disinfect Everything

Next, it's time to clean and disinfect the affected area. If you discover mold, a detergent and clean water will get rid of it and help prevent it from coming back.

7. Dry Everything Completely

Finally, it's essential to dry the area completely before doing structural repairs or moving belongings back into place. You can run fans, heaters, dehumidifiers and open the windows and doors.

When you experience a home flood, drying everything is one of the most essential tasks to begin immediately. Removing the standing water and excess humidity within 24-48 hours will help minimize or even totally avert mold growth. Once you've finished all your restoration work, have a final inspection performed to ensure no mold remains.

Tips for Dealing With a Flooded Basement

8/31/2023 (Permalink)

Take preventative measures to avoid a flooded basement.

A basement flood in your home in Bountiful, UT, can seem like an overwhelming problem. There are several things you can do that can get it fixed quickly and minimize the damage that the water causes. Here are some tips for dealing with excess water in your home's lowest level.

3 Tips for Dealing With Water Damage

1. Take Preventative Measures

The best solution for a flooded basement is preventing it from happening in the first place. There are several precautions you can take to lower your risk of flooding:

• Install a sump pump.
• Have a backup generator to power the pump.
• Direct water away from your foundation.
• Build extra interior or exterior drains.

2. Call the Experts

If your basement does flood, it may be tempting to wade in and tackle the problem yourself. This is often a mistake. The best thing to do is to call local water restoration specialists. They have the equipment and the expertise to address large-scale basement flood damage. They can use industrial pumps to remove the standing water quickly. They can give you a thorough assessment of the problem so that you know exactly what needs to be done to fix it. Finally, they can test for secondary damage such as mold growth or structural weakness so that they don't have to come back a second time to address the same issue.

3. Notify Your Insurance Provider

If your flood is caused by a broken or leaking pipe, water heater or appliance, your homeowner's policy may cover the cost of repairs. Contact your provider to inquire about the scope of your insurance coverage and to file a claim. The estimate that the technicians give you for the repairs can verify the work needed and the itemized expenses.

No one plans on having a basement flood at home, but it's good to know what to do just in case it happens. The right precautions and the help of the professionals can get your home back to normal in no time.

Prevent Mold Growth in Your Home

8/14/2023 (Permalink)

Mold expands quickly in moist environments if it is not removed in time.

Mold spores travel easily from place to place and survive very well in environments with a little bit of moisture, so it shouldn't be surprising to find evidence of mold in your laundry room or bathroom. In fact, mold can grow anywhere that water damage occurs. Consider the following steps you can take to prevent mold growth in your Bountiful, Utah, home.

Respond Immediately to Leaks and Moisture

A glass of spilled water may quickly soak into the carpet. The resulting moisture in the carpet padding and wood flooring below the carpet is an ideal environment for mold. It doesn't take long for a wet spot to become a mold spot. Avoid water damage and mold with quick responses:

• Repair leaky faucets and pipes right away.
• Dry carpets and towels thoroughly.
• Put wet clothing directly into the washing machine.
• Clean and dry any wet surfaces.

If there are problem spots in your home, take steps to reduce the trouble.

Choose Mold-Resistant Products

For many homeowners, mold prevention begins after mold has already made an appearance. After mold cleanup and remediation professionals complete their work, use mold-resistant drywall, paint, and other products to reduce the chance of new growth.

Reduce Humidity and Increase Ventilation

Humidity levels vary naturally during the seasons and can also increase during the day during meal prep and laundry tasks. Opening the windows is an effective way to reduce moisture. If you don't want to open the windows, consider the use of a dehumidifier or fans. Leave interior doors open to increase airflow throughout your home.

Maintain Your Home and Landscape

Water from sprinklers or rainstorms should flow away from the home. If your landscape doesn't keep water away from the foundation, make adjustments. Regularly check your rain gutters to keep them clean and unclogged.

The care and maintenance involved in protecting your home from other problems can also help you prevent water damage and mold growth. Your consistent efforts could save you from a lot of expensive repairs.

Follow These 4 Steps To Use Your Fire Extinguisher the Right Way

9/8/2022 (Permalink)

Use a fire extinguisher to limit the damage of a fire.

Few things can ruin a cozy evening at home faster than a kitchen fire. Whether you are preparing a meal for your family or cooking for friends, you must know how to effectively deal with flames in your kitchen. If you want to minimize fire damage in your Bountiful, UT, home, follow these four simple steps to use your fire extinguisher the right way.

4 Steps To Use Your Fire Extinguisher Correctly

1. Remove the Pin

Your emergency extinguisher probably has a pin to prevent accidental sprays. This piece of plastic or metal sits inside the trigger. It also likely has a ring that makes removal simple and intuitive. Before you begin to extinguish a fire, you must remove the safety pin.

2. Aim the Nozzle

Often, unaware homeowners point the nozzle of the extinguisher at the top of the flames. This is a mistake, as fires receive fuel from their foundations. Therefore, you must focus your spray on the base of the fire in your kitchen.

3. Apply Controlled Pressure

Your fire extinguisher may dispense more suppression agent than you anticipate. As such, it is important not to panic. Instead, apply controlled pressure to the extinguisher’s nozzle. Begin slowly before gradually increasing pressure to successfully extinguish the blaze.

4. Use a Sweeping Motion

To put out a fire of any size, you must concentrate on the base. As you probably know, fires tend to move around. By using a sweeping motion, you target all parts of the fire. Continue moving the extinguisher from side to side until the fire is gone.

Using a fire extinguisher to stop a fire in the kitchen is usually your best bet to limit damage. Still, extinguishers can be messy. If you have sustained damage or simply need a post-fire cleanup, working with a reputable restoration service in Bountiful, UT, is a good idea. Before you get to that point, however, you must be sure both you and your extinguisher are ready for action.

3 Steps for Deep Cleaning Your Home After a Flood

9/8/2022 (Permalink)

Flood Damage can leave mud and debris behind in your homes.

Flooding in Bountiful, UT, can wreak havoc on your home, especially when it comes to the mud, sludge, and debris it leaves behind. Cleaning walls, floors, and all your belongings once the waters recede can seem like an impossible task, especially if you must follow specific cleaning requirements from your insurance company, city, or state.

Steps to Take For Flood Cleanup

1. Begin With Hard Surfaces

Once you call your insurance agent and storm damage and flood restoration company to handle the drainage and disposal of contaminated floodwaters, you can begin cleanup efforts by creating a flood disinfectant for your home’s hard surfaces. Use clean scouring pads and a maximum-strength cleanser on your kitchen counters and other surfaces, then disinfect them with bleach or other germicide diluted with hot water. Remember to ventilate the room when you work with these chemicals and wear a mask and gloves to protect yourself.

2. Disinfect Your Kitchen Goods

Once your surfaces are clean, you can move on to your dishes, silverware, and canned goods. China, glassware and plastic utensils can be soaked in hot water treated with disinfectant, while metal silverware and cookware can be cleaned by immersing them in boiling water for 10 to 15 minutes. Avoid using bleach on metal surfaces, as it may cause your items to stain or discolor. Remove labels from your canned goods, allow them to soak in disinfectant, and then air dry before you re-label them.

3. Sort Salvage From Trash

If you are following specific cleaning requirements from a local authority, it is important that you understand which items can be salvaged and which must be thrown away. As you were flooding clean, make piles of items that can be restored, such as non-porous toys and tools, and throw away mattresses, soaked bedding, and plastic toys that may have absorbed contaminated water.

Flooding in Bountiful, UT, can leave behind mud, debris, and soaked belongings. Following your city’s cleaning requirements and knowing where to begin may make the cleanup process simpler and give you peace of mind as a homeowner.

3 Steps for Home Flooding Recovery

9/8/2022 (Permalink)

Professional drying equipment in a Bountiful, UT home.

The damages left behind by floodwater in home settings can be extensive and leave an emotional toll behind as well. This is true whether the water damage resulted from rising waters after prolonged rain or a broken pipe. After flooding recedes, most people want to get back to their normal lives as quickly as possible, but the full recovery from the situation may take a long time. Breaking recovery tasks into orderly chunks may help the process move along more smoothly.

3 Steps To Recover From Flooding

1. Contact Your Insurance Company

Talk to your insurance agent about the terms of your flood insurance. The agent may recommend certain water damage restoration professionals in Bountiful, UT. Be prepared to share contact information, such as the phone number and address of where you are staying during the recovery process. Discuss steps such as keeping photographic evidence of the damages and holding onto damaged materials as proof of your losses.

2. Maintain Safety

Water in the home and electricity make a dangerous combination. Make sure you shut off the electricity to the home before attempting any repairs or cleanup. Ask professionals about whether it's safe to enter the residence to avoid injuries from gas leaks or fire hazards. Remember to practice basic safety procedures.

• Wear sturdy work gloves and protective hand and eye-wear.
• Consider wearing a respirator.
• Don't mix cleaning chemicals, such as chlorine bleach with ammonia.
• Watch out for pests, such as snakes and mice.

3. Separate Belongings for Professional and DIY Cleaning

You may be able to hose off or rinse out many of your belongings. Some items, such as clothing, can be cared for at a dry cleaning shop. However, many furnishings, such as carpets or upholstered couches, will require specific professional care. Water damage restoration professionals have the right tools and training to clean without causing further damage and will take steps to prevent long-term damages, such as mold.

Remember, after flood water in home settings recedes, contact Bountiful,UT, professionals, ensure safety, and then set aside tasks for professionals. Working methodically through recovery helps get things back to normal more quickly.

SERVPRO Helps With Claims

8/10/2022 (Permalink)

Water damage in Bountiful, UT home.

SERVPRO is a leader in its field, providing the best emergency response and post-disaster services to its clients in Bountiful, Utah, and nationwide. They not only restore homes to their preloss condition, but they also help with the associated insurance claim services. Here's how.

4 Ways SERVPRO Helps With Insurance Claims

1. They Begin the Restoration Job Quickly

The insurance company will need detailed information about the incident and the resulting damage. The damage restoration professionals will perform a thorough inspection of the affected area and determine what it'll take to restore it to its preloss condition. The team will share all of these details with the insurance company to get you compensated and on the road to recovery as quickly as possible.

2. They Work With Your Insurance Company Throughout the Claims Process

Insurance can be complicated and especially challenging to understand when trying to recover from the unthinkable. You shouldn't have to endure the headaches of the claims process after a catastrophe. The professionals at SERVPRO understand the insurance claim services process well. This expertise enables them to work with your insurance company on your behalf.

3. They Do Efficient, Thorough, High-Quality Work

As the professionals perform your restoration services, you and the insurance company can be confident that they're performing high-quality work. The job will also be completed efficiently, thoroughly, and promptly.

4. They Provide Excellent Customer Service

You will always get excellent customer service working with this franchise. An office administrator will guide you through every step of the insurance claim process. They're available to take your questions or hear your concerns, and they keep you updated throughout the process. If any part of the claim is denied by the insurance company, we will still work with you to restore your home.

SERVPRO has been working with insurance companies for decades. This means they know their stuff when it comes to claiming services. In fact, many insurance companies prefer to work with them since they're a full-service provider, able to handle every portion of the claim for you.

6 Ways to Reduce Your Home’s Flood Risk

8/10/2022 (Permalink)

Air mover on laundry room floor after suffering storm damage in Bountiful, UT.

Floods are often unavoidable. Although you may not be able to fully flood-proof your home, every homeowner in Bountiful, UT, can take proactive prevention and flood safety measures to protect their properties against extensive flood damage.

Flood Safety 

1. Prepare Sandbags

If you receive adequate warning of an approaching storm capable of producing significant rainfall, such as a hurricane, create an external barrier with sandbags, which can divert water from your residence.

2. Install a Sewage Water Backstop and a Sump Pump

A sewage water backstop is an efficient flood safety device that prevents backwater from flowing into your basement. A sump pump is another beneficial machine that can drain water out of your home.

3. Assess Basement Windows and Your Foundation

A cracked foundation may enable water to flow inside your basement. Water can also seep through basement windows. To secure these areas, ensure that windows are properly caulked and sealed and repair any existing foundation issues.

4. Maintain Gutters

Routinely clean your gutters to prevent blockages that may restrict water flow. In addition, install downspout extensions to direct water farther away from your home’s foundation.

5. Plant Grass and Use Mulch

Both mulch and grass absorb water. So planting grass around your home and placing mulch around external foliage provides an additional flood safeguard. However, to ensure retained moisture does not damage siding, keep mulch at least six inches away from your home’s exterior.

6. Properly Grade Soil

Grading the ground away from your home is another efficient safety tip that also helps divert water away from your foundation.

Peace of Mind

Following these seven flood safety tips helps reduce your home’s flood risk. However, it is impossible to fully eliminate the threats of extreme weather and bursting pipes. For this reason, the best flood safety measure is a flood insurance policy, which provides financial security and ensures that you have funds available to cover cleanup and restoration costs and replace destroyed property.