Ice Maker Water Line Water Damage

It seems innocent enough and most homeowners do not give it a second thought until something happens… either there is no ice in the tray or there is water pooling on the floor from an unknown source but in both cases the culprit is a compromise in the water line leading to the ice maker.

Homeowners who have suffered water damage from an ice maker water line will attest to the veracity of this seemingly inconspicuous water damage source. One would think that the potential damage such a small water line can cause would be minuscule but the fact remains that there are two main types of compromise… a slow leak and a steady spray. Of the two, the former is the most concerning as the slow leak could have been leaking for some time converting your clean and sanitary kitchen in to a potential health hazard that is ideal for microbial growth while promoting catastrophic structural damage to its immediate area whereas the steady spray would be addressed, one would expect, much sooner as it is, generally, easier to see. Of course, should such a breach occur when the homeowner is gone for an extended period of time, the devastation realized from a steady spray can be formidable and systemic.

In either case, it is common for the well intentioned homeowner to underestimate the scope of the damage and the inherent health risks of removing potentially hazardous water and attempt to tackle the water damage cleanup themselves. Such honorable do-it-yourself (“DIY”) mentality is, undoubtedly, the bedrock of the American psyche but, in some cases, what you do not know can hurt you and water damage restoration is such a case. While almost anyone can go to an equipment rental place and get equipment to remove the water, it is likely the rental equipment is less than stellar in its upkeep and, even if maintained to specs, may not perform to the same level as a professional’s equipment even when the rental equipment was brand new. Further complicating the DIY’s success is the DIY homeowner most likely does not know the industry dry standard for their area so it is likely that they will end their DIY restoration when the area “feels dry” thus, unknowingly and innocently, leaving water trapped within their walls and creating potentially prime areas for microbial growth.

It is best to leave the water damage restoration to the professionals.

Only an independent water damage restoration company has the professional education and equipment to restore your asset to its preloss condition and to industry professional specifications and guidelines. Such specifications and guidelines are industry “Best Practices” that have been shown, when employed by a certified professional, to create a best-case restoration scenario which is in the best interest of the consumer’s health and the longevity and usability of the restored asset.

This article is composed by and offered as a public service by Jimmy K. Jimmy K is the Independent Owner and Operator of Emergency Response Restoration (http://www.emergencyresponserestoration.com/), 2665 N Atlantic Avenue, Daytona Beach, FL 32118

Hurricane Damage

The highly touted common wisdom that lightening does not strike the same place twice has officially been debunked by Hurricane Isaac as it hit New Orleans seven years to the day of Hurricane Katrina. While Isaac does not seem to be as thoroughly devastating as Katrina, the torrential flooding it has dumped on the still recovering area is something no fortune teller could have predicted.

One could almost argue that Isaac had a vendetta for New Orleans based on its path around Florida and then strengthening as soon as it put New Orleans in its sights. The reports of people being in neck deep water in the streets, small ponds being turned in to a virtual homage to the Great Lakes, and officials strategically breaching the infamous levees to reduce the load and limit the potential destruction is something no one should have to endure... especially not twice.

How then does one prepare to protect one's assets from an approaching hurricane?

• One of the best ways to protect your assets and your family from an approaching hurricane is to have an emergency plan. Make a plan and brief your family on what you want to take, where you will go, and with whom you will stay should you be required to evacuate. Likewise, you need to have a predetermined meeting location established should you and your loved one be separated for any reason.


• Cell phones can be helpful for staying in touch but will be of little value should the surrounding cell area be knocked out so it is wise and prudent to have inexpensive long range hand held radios on hand and charged. While these two way radios can have their 35 mile range compromised by radio traffic, topography, and atmospheric conditions, for $50, they may be your lifeline when all other forms of communication fail.


• While it may seem to be an ineffective and time wasting activity when compared to the ongoing flooding caused by Isaac, boarding your windows is still an effective means at protecting the contents of your home from be bombarded with shards of glass. While no current siding, hurricane shutters, or boarding will protect your asset from such flooding, it may be the only thing that protects your asset should you be spared the flood.


• Have a plan for your pets and animals. Plan ahead to have a place for your pets and animals to go as animal shelter space may be limited and temporary housing may not allow pets.

Our hearts go out to those souls whose lives are offset by Isaac. While these words may come too late for the residents of New Orleans, perhaps these words will be of value to the next community to face the relentless onslaught of a hurricane.

This article is composed by and offered as a public service by Jimmy K. Jimmy K is the Independent Owner and Operator of Emergency Response Restoration (http://www.emergencyresponserestoration.com/), 2665 N Atlantic Avenue, Daytona Beach, FL 32118. Jimmy K is a true consumer advocate who is not afraid to battle the insurance company to ensure the proper restoration of the consumer's water damaged home office or asset.

Mold - Risks and Removal

First and foremost, the scope of this article will not be an exhaustive review of the types of mold, the risks from each type of mold, or include any discussion on the proper handling of mold. Rather this article will be a general overview of the common mold that grows as a result of water damage and it will briefly outline the potential threats and the proper remediation techniques to fully remove the mold and its contaminated structures professionally and in line with Florida's mold remediation laws and standards.

Mold runs the health effect gambit from benign through toxic causing reactions that range from nothing through any combination of anaphylaxis, cognitive debilitation, and death. The results you suffer from mold are contingent upon factors including the type of mold, your sensitivity to the mold, and the length of time that you are exposed to the mold. It is common for someone who is not initially affected by mold to develop sensitivities and allergies as their exposure increases in frequency and duration; however, even if you never suffer any sensitivity or debilitation from the mold that infiltrates and infests your structure, your asset does.

In nature, mold is a decomposer meaning it decomposes old material by consuming it. While your house, building, or other structure is new, beautiful, and extremely valuable to you, to nature such asset is nothing more than an aging skeleton that needs to be recycled... hence man's continued struggle against nature. Unfortunately for the occupants, inhabitants, and visitors to structures in which mold is already undertaking its natural course of action, mold can cause serious trouble to man and man's structures which prompts man to see mold as a threat and try to get rid of it.

While many people understand how serious mold is, many people severely and detrimentally underestimate the best method to remove mold. A common erroneous removal method is to simply spray or wipe the visible mold with an over-the-counter bleach product or disinfectant. While this may remove the visible layer of mold, this technique does nothing other than causing discoloration of the affected area and releasing mold spores into the air conditioning system thereby aerosolizing the spores throughout the structure. It is common, and unfortunate, to see such cost conscious persons repeatedly employing this technique as the mold "returns", ad-nauseum, until such time as the owner realizes that this treatment methodology is akin to putting a child's band-aid on an arterial shower and seeks more advanced removal. Unfortunately by this time the mold contamination, saturation, and penetration can be severe and systemic.

The best way to protect you, your family, and your asset from mold is by contacting a professional, independent water damage restoration company to professionally assess your mold and to provide a professional and effective mold remediation strategy. The State of Florida has specialized training and requirements for a company to function as a Mold Assessor or a Mold Remediation company so be sure to ask your company which license they have. Only such company has proven to the State of Florida that they have the education, equipment, and knowledge to accurately address your mold concerns within the expected standard of care. Mold can grow like cancer in a structure. You wouldn't use an over-the-counter panacea to "cure" your cancer so why would you use one to handle your structure's?

Do the job right the first time... use your local independent water damage restoration company.

This article is composed by and offered as a public service by Jimmy K. Jimmy K is the Independent Owner and Operator of Emergency Response Restoration (http://www.emergencyresponserestoration.com/), 2665 N Atlantic Avenue, Daytona Beach, FL 32118. Jimmy K is a true consumer advocate who is not afraid to battle the insurance company to ensure the proper restoration of the consumer's water damaged home office or asset.

8 Signs of Hidden Water Damage

The devastating and long lasting negative effects that sudden and accidental water damage can have upon the inhabitants of an affected structure are well known and well established. What is not realized by affected persons during such challenging times is the mixed blessing of the intruding water being ample enough that the structure's owner understands the immediate need to remediate the situation as quickly and as thoroughly as possible; unfortunately, such is NOT the case when it comes to hidden water damage.

The known and often discussed challenges and maladies that result from the onset of sudden and accidental water damage are often times magnified by hidden water damage as hidden water damage, as its name implies, may not be found until such time as extensive structural damage has occurred and/or potentially toxic and debilitating microbial activity is well underway. Pursuant to and in agreement with the ancient sagely adage... an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure but how does one protect itself from hidden water damage? Here are some warning signs that, if observed, can indicate that you may be affected...

1. Your water bill is slowly increasing without visible cause or notice of rate increase
2. Your wallpaper or paint is peeling, boiling, or cracking
3. You notice strange discoloration of your walls, ceiling, or carpeting
4. You may hear a quiet dripping sound when trying to sleep
5. There is a moldy or musty foul odor that cannot be found
6. Your baseboards seem to be swelling or peeling away from the wall
7. One of your rooms seems to be cooler than the others
8. Finding unexpected or recurring moisture in areas NOT typically wet

The reasons for hidden water damage run the gambit of potential sources from intrawall pipe break through a breach in your roofing shingles/tiles. Regardless of the source, the longer hidden water damage remains unabated, the longer and more severe the consequences for the structure and the structure's inhabitants. Hopefully you are able to find and cure the problem yourself before the situation gets out of control, exponentially, but should the circumstances be beyond control, rest assured that an independent, water damage restoration company is willing and able to handle this scenario for you.

Only an independent water damage restoration company works for and in the customer's best interest as its survival and livelihood are contingent upon quality work and customer satisfaction. Such company has achieved its status through a significant investment in education, equipment, and ongoing certification to ensure its techniques are cutting edge in order to return its customer to its preloss condition as quickly and as invasively as possible.

Choose wisely... choose the best... choose to ONLY use your local independent water damage professional to address your water damaged asset.

This article is composed by and offered as a public service by Jimmy K. Jimmy K is the Independent Owner and Operator of Emergency Response Restoration (http://www.emergencyresponserestoration.com/), 2665 N Atlantic Avenue, Daytona Beach, FL 32118. Jimmy K is a true consumer advocate who is not afraid to battle the insurance company to ensure the proper restoration of the consumer's water damaged home office or asset.

Dry Out Nightmare

~ WARNING ~
This article is not for the timid or those with low risk tolerance... you have been warned!
Recently we received a call from a customer who was complaining about mold. It seems this customer suffered water damage that penetrated at least two floors of his three story water-front asset that is located in a high profile historic district. The customer did "the right thing" and called in the claim to his insurance carrier who promptly dispatched their lapdog, ragtag restoration vendor to address the claim... and address it they did.

The dispatched restoration company, according to the customer, did succeed in drying the easy, top level water but did NOTHING to dry the structure's core. As soon as this restoration company achieved it's predetermined and insurance preferred level of dryness, they pulled out and told the customer that everything was fine. Unfortunately, for them, this customer was not your typical customer as he was an experienced home builder and knew that there was NO way that his structure was dry.

His home, by his own description, was an older home and he was very familiar with his home's layers of plaster, sheet rock, and insulation and knew that since water ran down the walls AND penetrated the substructure, that moisture was still trapped inside. He was, rightfully so, concerned about the real potential for microbial growth and hired a general contractor to check his walls for him... he was right... the affected area was FULL of mold. The general contractor reported, wisely and ethically, that the areas need to be gutted in order to rebuild to code which will cost a LOT of money. This is when the customer called us for help.

Unfortunately, the general contractor's initial visual inspection appears correct and the entire affected area does need intensive remediation before reconstruction can begin and, worse yet, since the insurance preferred lapdog company completed their remediation effort "satisfactorily"... it is a REAL possibility that ALL costs associated with this remediation process will be the burden of the customer.

He is the REAL terrifying conclusion of this true story... the dispatched water damage restoration company, despite its incompetence and lack of care, acted in accordance with the will and interest of its insurance company masters. The insurance company seeks only to limit expenditures, by all means necessary, while still demanding on-time receipt of ever increasing premiums. Such faithless penny pinching allow the insurance carrier to subrogate its costs and liabilities to such inexperienced and lapdog restoration companies to the ultimate detriment of the insured consumer.

Don't let this increasingly common scenario happen to you.

Only an independent water damage restoration company works in the interest of the customer independently of the insurance company's greed and improper, self-serving limitations. Such a company has made the large but necessary financial commitment to education and equipment so that they have the tools and knowledge to find the water that is bound within the structure's infrastructure so that your asset is THOROUGHLY dried so that such nightmare scenarios remain a story.

This article is composed by and offered as a public service by Jimmy K. Jimmy K is the Independent Owner and Operator of Emergency Response Restoration (http://www.emergencyresponserestoration.com/), 2665 N Atlantic Avenue, Daytona Beach, FL 32118. Jimmy K is a true consumer advocate who is not afraid to battle the insurance company to ensure the proper restoration of the consumer's water damaged home office or asset.

Carpet Cleaning is NOT Restoration

It is reasonable and financially prudent for a consumer to want to spend the least amount of money possible to achieve the maximum benefit. In this regard it is understandable why savvy consumers would make the unintentional mistake of hiring a carpet cleaner to remove the water as neither the consumer nor the industrious carpet cleaner are aware of the subtle complexities and onerous detail a professional water damage restoration project demands.

Let's face it. Anyone can remove water. All you need is a wet/dry shop vacuum, on the high end, or a straw, on the low end, and viola... the water is removed! Although, admittedly, most carpet cleaners would have equipment that is better suited for water extraction than a residential wet/dry vacuum. A high level carpet cleaner may also have dehumidifiers and fans but simply having such equipment does not mean that the well intentioned carpet cleaner is proficient in the use of such equipment or knows how to optimize deployment. For example, anyone can set up a computer system and press the power switch. Such a deployment may be useable but such set up is prone to a gaggle of information technology related risks ranging from malware through data integrity. A more prudent installation would be completed by someone with specialized information technology training who is experienced and knows how to prevent obstacles that a less informed and educated professional would not be aware of or know how to combat upon manifestation. Likewise, a carpet cleaner does NOT have the specialized education or ability to balance the atmosphere, calculate the moisture load, design and deploy a negative air drying chamber, or manipulate vapor pressure - processes and procedures that are common, everyday measures employed by professional water damage restoration companies.

Water damage restoration professionals employ such exotic tactics in the best interest of the customer to ensure the core of the structure is dry, prevent or reduce mold from establishing itself or spreading throughout your structure, and create optimal drying conditions. These considerations are well beyond the scope, understanding, or ability of even the most well intended carpet cleaner but are considerations that can manifest a severe negative financial and, potentially, health challenges if not addressed. Mold horror stories are common and easily accessible in a simple internet search but mold is NOT the only microbial consideration or concern that is common in a water damaged structure. Unfortunately, that list is extensive.

Only a professional, independent water damage restoration company has the specialized training and education to protect your health and financial interests from the repercussions of water damage. Some such water damage professionals even charge your insurance company directly so there may be little, or no, out of pockets expenses. In that light, it is obvious that the optimal fiduciarial decision is to use an independent, professional water damage restoration company for your water damage as the alternative can cost more and expose you to long term heath and financial challenges. Make the prudent decision.

This article is composed by and offered as a public service by Jimmy K. Jimmy K is the Independent Owner and Operator of Emergency Response Restoration (http://www.emergencyresponserestoration.com/), 2665 N Atlantic Avenue, Daytona Beach, FL 32118. Jimmy K is a true consumer advocate who is not afraid to battle the insurance company to ensure the proper restoration of the consumer's water damaged home office or asset.

Water Damage Causes:Bad Weather

Our last four articles explored four of the most common reasons a property owner could suffer water damage but what is the MOST likely reason for water damage? Bad weather.

Here in Florida, the lightening capital of the world, bad weather can be a daily event. Ask a local and they will confirm that summer in Florida means rain, storms, and hurricane season. There is no escape from the weather extremes. The days can be unreasonably hot and humid only to have it rain. Unfortunately, the rain does not last long and it serves only to turn the day into an unfair and unwanted sauna as the rain visibly evaporates from the ground and hangs in the air. This constant wet expansion with heated compression wreaks havoc with roofing materials - and that is a good day.

When hurricane season hits... all bets are off. Hurricane season can severely test your property's building codes with high winds, a LOT of rain, and constant battery from subsequent debris. While hurricanes CAN and DO spawn tornados... water spouts (tornados that occur over the ocean which usually dissipate when they reach land) are COMMON even in good weather. ANY such "weather anomalies" can damage your asset and create water damage.

The associated water damage does NOT need to be severe or extensive, in fact, a small breach in the roof is all the water intrusion necessary to begin devaluing your asset. Even a tiny pinprick can allow water to start destroying your attic and your walls. Unfortunately, such minute pinpricks may not be known until well after the devaluation and destruction of your asset has been in effect for some time which can be, arguably, much more devastating then immediate and extensive damage.

Prevention is the best way to save your asset from water damage. The next best is rapid response as the sooner the water source is identified and resolved, the less damage there is to restore. In the real world, however, the first two scenarios are rarely the norm. As such, the best way to return your property to the condition it was in before suffering water damage (its "preloss condition"), is to use a professional, independent water damage restoration company.

Only a professional, independent water damage restoration company has the education, experience, and equipment to completely restore your property to its preloss condition in a timely and customer focused manner. Simply removing the top level water is not enough to dry the core of the structure and may not enough to prevent future complications and microbial growth. You owe it to yourself to make sure your water damaged asset is handled by customer focused water damage professionals.

This article is composed by and offered as a public service by Jimmy K. Jimmy K is the Independent Owner and Operator of Emergency Response Restoration (http://www.emergencyresponserestoration.com/), 2665 N Atlantic Avenue, Daytona Beach, FL 32118. Jimmy K is a true consumer advocate who is not afraid to battle the insurance company to ensure the proper restoration of the consumer's water damaged home office or asset.

Water Damage Causes:Water Heaters

Sources state that the estimated lifespan of any given common household storage water heater is anywhere from five to fifteen years. Per these assumptions, one could reasonably expect to incur 2 to 6 water heater related issues or replacements within the 30 year lifespan of a typical mortgage. Obviously, this a real yet commonly underestimated potential source of significant water damage.

Aging water heaters will rust and leak. If the property owner catches it in time then the potential for damage is minimal but if the property owner not discover the damage in time, the resulting damage can be substantial. In Florida, due to the high water table, basements are a rarity so water heaters are typically located on the same floor as the living area thus maximizing the need to regularly inspect the water heater for wear and rust and resulting damage should a leak or breakage occur. Similarly, apartment and condominium dwellers, depending on the size of the unit, may have the water heater located in an area that is central to the unit thus maximizing the radius of the potential damage.

There are various things you can do the reduce this potential water damage risk. Common wisdom includes regular inspection for any water leakage, regular inspection for rust, turning off the main water source if you are going to be away from your property for an extended period of time, and having a relief valve installed on the water heater - assuming you do not already have one - in order to regularly remove the bottom sediment which promotes deterioration and oxidation. Before you embark on the later, however, and you do so at your own risk, be careful NOT to splash yourself with the potentially scalding water that is coming from the water heater and, similarly, be sure to have a pail stable enough to handle the hot water and hot sediment without breaching. Better yet, have a professional check it out for you.

In a perfect world water heaters never leak and all damage is caught in time or is minimal; unfortunately, in the real world, when the water heater breaks, it is reasonably sudden and the damage is extensive. Since most people do not turn off the water lead in when the leave, as it is not a common consideration most people would do on a regular basis, once breached, the water heater not only dumps the contents of its storage tank but the water continues to flow due to the open water line contributing to extensive water damage. Should this occur, then you owe it to yourself to hire an independent and customer focused water damage restoration company. Only an independent water damage restoration company focuses its interest on customer service and customer satisfaction so that your restoration is its interest and such company will do whatever it takes to restore your asset to its preloss condition.

This article is composed by and offered as a public service by Jimmy K. Jimmy K is the Independent Owner and Operator of Emergency Response Restoration (http://www.emergencyresponserestoration.com/), 2665 N Atlantic Avenue, Daytona Beach, FL 32118. Jimmy K is a true consumer advocate who is not afraid to battle the insurance company to ensure the proper restoration of the consumer's water damaged home office or asset.

Water Damage Causes:Kids

In the mind of a child, all things in or around water are wonderlands filled with magical creatures and limitless adventure. A kid could laugh merrily at the toy's struggle against the mighty toilet maelstrom and then do a belly flop into the tub turning the ordinary and boring bathroom into an enchanted land of rain and waterfalls. Who knows what wonders those shiny, oval shaped thingys behind the toilet are protecting or... hiding? The only way to find out is to take them off and bathe in the unexpected pleasure of an unknown shower. Unfortunately, the kids quickly learn that the innocent fantasy world they just enjoyed also creates strange reactions and verbiage from the adult who comes to discover the existence of such world.

To the adult, the toilet maelstrom is an expensive plumbing call if they cannot rescue the toy from becoming a huge block. The wonderland of rain and waterfalls is water strewn across the bathroom which needs to be cleaned up before it causes damage. The removed flow controls necessitate the immediate shut off of the water coming into the bathroom to cease the continual flow of water shooting onto the wall and covering anything and everything in the area. Parents just don't understand.

On the plus side, building designers understand that a bathroom is reasonably expected to have a higher level of water than other areas of the home and have taken prudent preventative measures to limit damage but none of these prudent measures will do anything should the water damage not be discovered until some time later. Here are some simple action points to limit the internal hurricane damage caused by Hurricane Playtime:

* ALWAYS be aware when any faucet is turned on and running
* Have some type of curtain or door to prevent splashed water from going everywhere
* Keep the area closest to the water well stocked with absorbent towels
* Pay attention to toilet flushing combined with excessive laughter or giggles
* Ask the child to see a toy that went into the bathroom but did not come out

Let's face it, we were all kids and watching SuperDooper Man battle the ferocious toilet maelstrom is pretty cool. While as adults we can appreciate such allure, we simply do not want to deal with the financial cost of cleaning or restoring the collateral damage caused by SuperDooper Man's epic battle. Still, no matter how prudent you are in limiting such damage, if you have kids... it is coming.

Your best remedy, should you awake one day to find your home is full of water as a result of such unrestrained collateral damage, is to hire an independent, professional water damage restoration company to return your home to its preloss condition. An independent, professional water damage restoration company can be counted on to accurately and honestly assess your damage and outline what needs to be done to fix the issues as quickly as possible resulting in both child and adult coming to see the independent restoration professional as a superhero knight that valiantly battles the water dragons and its associated vipers to protect the honor and wellbeing of the trapped homeowners.

Game on!

This article is composed by and offered as a public service by Jimmy K. Jimmy K is the Independent Owner and Operator of Emergency Response Restoration (http://www.emergencyresponserestoration.com/), 2665 N Atlantic Avenue, Daytona Beach, FL 32118. Jimmy K is a true consumer advocate who is not afraid to battle the insurance company to ensure the proper restoration of the consumer's water damaged home office or asset.

Water Damage Causes:Pipe Break

Pipe breaks are very common causal sources for water damage and can happen any where, at any time, and in any condition. The damage caused by a pipe break is in direct relation to where the pipe is and how long the pipe has been leaking before it was discovered. An internal pipe crack that leaks a small, study stream of water, for example, may not be noticeable or found until such time as the inevitable mold smell occurs whereas a break in a toilet pipe is immediately visible and can be controlled reasonably quickly.

Old and aging pipes are prime candidates for breakage as are newer pipes that are under undue pressure or simply not installed or secured properly. Blocked pipes can also wreak havoc and cause water damage. Such potential sources include a blocked toilet, a clogged dishwasher, and excessive hair stuck in the bathroom sink. Although not technically pipes, other common breaking points include the washing machine hose, the ice maker water hose, and the garbage dispenser waste valve. Unfortunately, this quickly complied list is far from exhaustive as these sources are only a few common sources of water damage.

Here are some easy bullet points to prevent or limit potential water damage:
* Inspect your utility bill religiously as any unexpected cost increase could be a sign of hidden leakage
* Pay attention to slow drains and have them cleared of blockage
* Regularly inspect all water hoses for signs of wear and leakage
* Ensure that all filters and appliances are free from blockage
* Monitor any appliance overflow valve for water and address as necessary
* Have old pipes replaced

The bullets presented herein serve only as a guideline for routine maintenance and should be adhered to the best of your ability and time. Hopefully these points can help you prevent, stave off, or limit any water damage but in the event that you are in need of a remediation expert, your best bet is an independent, professional water damage restoration company. An independent, professional water damage restoration company is customer focused and operates in the best interest of the customer as the financial viability and permanence of such company is symbiotically intertwined with customer satisfaction and customer referrals. There are a lot of potentially destructive alternatives and biased dissenting opinions out there but there is only ONE best method for returning your asset to its preloss condition and that is by using an independent, professional water damage restoration company for your restoration.

The fiduciarily prudent decision is blatantly obvious. Experience the satisfaction for yourself.

This article is composed by and offered as a public service by Jimmy K. Jimmy K is the Independent Owner and Operator of Emergency Response Restoration (http://www.emergencyresponserestoration.com/), 2665 N Atlantic Avenue, Daytona Beach, FL 32118. Jimmy K is a true consumer advocate who is not afraid to battle the insurance company to ensure the proper restoration of the consumer's water damaged home office or asset.

Water Damage Causes:Air Conditioner Leak

In our line of work, and in our area of the county, we commonly come across water damage that is caused due to an air conditioner breakage, leakage, or failure. While the underlying reasoning for such accidents are irrelevant in the scope of this article, for those of us in the warmer climates, air conditioning is a necessity... NOT a luxury. Since such air conditioning malfunctions are fairly commonplace, we herein present some simple suggestions to limit your exposure to such risks.

* Clean or Replace Air Filters Monthly
* Feel for Cold Air coming from visible Ducts or around the Unit
* Listen for any Unusual or Out-of-Place Sounds
* Ensure that the Overflow Sensor is working
* Check the Drain Lines to verify they are clear
* Make sure the AC Unit is serviced regularly

The benefits of adhering to these simple suggestions include enhanced overall air conditioning system efficiency, reduced cooling and maintenance costs, and ongoing comfort but let's face it, while these benefits are great, money is tight and many people are doing less routine and preventative maintenance in order to retain more of their hard earned money. While there are areas in which financial cost reductions are reasonable and prudent, the potential tradeoff for skipping ac maintenance can not only result in water damage but any short term savings can easily be offset by the displacement costs that water damage can cause. An inquisitive reader may question that last statement noting that such displacement costs are customarily reimbursed by their insurance policy, which is generally true, but such reimbursement may be subject to policy terms and limits and still require you to come out of pocket in order to be reimbursed thus far in excess of the simple maintenance cost of maintaining the ac unit. While we certainly appreciate and support fiducial prudence, in some cases, such prudence is best served by the counterintuitive method of spending a little to save a lot.

Unfortunately, the sad reality is that even if such measures are employed... water damage can, will, and still does happens. Despite all of your prudent preventative measures to prevent water damage, the list of potential sources for water damage intrusion is staggering. In the event that the reader is in need of a water damage restoration company, the BEST choice to protect your asset and restore your asset to its preloss condition is by using a professional, independent water damage restoration company. A professional, independent water damage restoration company is customer focused and gets its work through customer satisfaction and referrals but don't take my obviously biased word for it...

Make the prudent step and see for yourself why.

This article is composed by and offered as a public service by Jimmy K. Jimmy K is the Independent Owner and Operator of Emergency Response Restoration (http://www.emergencyresponserestoration.com/), 2665 N Atlantic Avenue, Daytona Beach, FL 32118. Jimmy K is a true consumer advocate who is not afraid to battle the insurance company to ensure the proper restoration of the consumer's water damaged home office or asset.

Top Ten Risks of NOT using an Independent Water Damage Restoration Company

1. The adjuster preferred company may finish and leave the job by extracting the top water while leaving your asset saturated with absorbed and ingrained moisture.

2. The adjuster preferred company may be a national franchise whose interests are on selling franchises.

3. A franchisee may be, and usually is, only trained per the guidelines of franchisor's "accelerated" training program which, in most cases, fails to meet the extensive and encompassing hands-on experience and continuing education requirements an independent restoration company must endure and maintain in order to achieve and retain professional industry certifications and recognition.

4. The adjuster preferred company gets work and maintains its "preferred status" solely by doing the minimal amount of work required for the lowest possible cost in order to appease the adjuster whose interests are solely to minimize the insurance company payout by any and all means necessary.

5. Such means are well documented and include many bad faith and psychological manipulation tactics.

6. One such mean is the insurance company making it seem that the hiring of an adjuster preferred company is a legal requirement - it is only a requirement if it is a stipulated tenant of the written policy - so that the adjuster preferred company can continue to provide its lowball and low quality work.

7. It is interesting to speculate that some of the bad faith interrogation and psychological manipulating tactics are borderline violations of humanitarian guidelines as written in documents including the Geneva Conventions so the insurance company and adjuster are trained to deploy such tactics subtly and quietly.

8. The benefit of such lowball and low quality work is that, to the naked eye and to the uninformed yet trusting consumer, the visible and obvious water is gone so the threat and damage is gone as well - as it is assumed and conveyed by the adjuster; however, the remaining moisture can deteriorate into structural damage, mold and health issues, and, at worst, asset condemnation. Should any of these maladies manifest, the insurance company can deny the new claim citing previous water damage thereby dodging the asset replacement costs while minimizing the initial remediation costs.

9. Insurance companies, including their agents, employees, and management, are for profit companies who continue to make their obscene and elevated profit margins and bonuses by doing everything they can to ensure money comes in but it does not go out - except to their pockets.

10. Make no mistake about it... the insurance companies ARE hitting and maintaining their profit margins and bonuses by feverously and dogmatically employing such tactics - even it an economy in which it seems that so many people are on hard times that such achievements are unprecedented and impossible. There is no secret or magic formula... such "achievements" are obtained by charging more while paying out less.

This article is composed by and offered as a public service by Jimmy K. Jimmy K is the Independent Owner and Operator of Emergency Response Restoration (http://www.emergencyresponserestoration.com/), 2665 N Atlantic Avenue, Daytona Beach, FL 32118. Jimmy K is a true consumer advocate who is not afraid to battle the insurance company to ensure the proper restoration of the consumer's water damaged home office or asset.

The Likelihood of Water Damage

A major insurance company analyzed its claims data and concluded that its policy holders were 10 (TEN) times more likely to suffer water damage than fire damage.  In North Carolina alone this insurance company determined that water damaged claims - excluding water damage caused by catastrophes - accounted for 28% of its property claims in the state.  The insurance company - in a predictable attempt to control this info and for its own interests - went on to state that much of the damage was preventable thereby parlaying its own realized risk onto the policyholder who may not have had any reasonable expectation of control over the situation.

In response to such ongoing and unrealistic circumvention of responsibility, an independent water damage restoration company in Illinois recently decided to educate the insurance industry and created a "Flood House Laboratory" ("FHL").  The FHL was conceptualized to, and is being used to, educate insurance company adjustors, agents, and relevant personnel as to what full, proper, and customer focused water damage restoration entails and requires.  The FHL is a small scale "house" that is complete with hardwood floors.  The continuing education insurance company representative is required to flood the house and then physically work with a variety of tools ranging from low level and ineffective "adjustor approved" tools and techniques through professional equipment to see and experience the difference firsthand.  From this experiment even the most blind adjustor was able to see, and have an appreciation for, the true level of workmanship and expertise an independent water damage restoration company has opposed to the standard, adjustor approved lapdog that under-prices and under -performs simply to appease the adjuster and get work.

The scary part of this "appreciation" is that such appreciation is something a reasonable policyholder would assume is common knowledge to their insurance company and adjuster.  The policyholder is reasonable to question how their insurance company and insurance adjuster could properly and fairly assess their water damage and assign a fair and reasonable indemnification valuation to their loss if they are not properly educated in water damage restoration.  Unfortunately, the policyholder soon realizes that their loss is nothing more than another burdensome claim to be unfairly and prejudicially adjusted in favor of their insurance company and in blatant disregard of their contractually bound and written policy.

This is why the policyholder must insist that their water damage claim is handled by a professional, independent water damage restoration company to ensure that their loss and subsequent indemnification claim is handled to their expectation, interest, and favor.  Despite the friendly and outgoing attitude of the insurance company's dispatched adjuster, the adjuster is a double agent who, admittedly, works for or contacts with the insurance company and is there, primarily, to find any possible reason or unintentional policyholder mistake to reduce or deny the claim so that they do not have to pay.  Despite this, the insurance company still, in an apparent otherworldly and sociopathic manner, fully expects the policyholder to continue making full and timely payments on their policy... the audacity of this fully excepted and enforced self serving, "nothing for something", narcissistic concept is jaw dropping.

This article is composed by and offered as a public service by Jimmy K. Jimmy K is the Independent Owner and Operator of Emergency Response Restoration (http://www.emergencyresponserestoration.com/), 2665 N Atlantic Avenue, Daytona Beach, FL 32118. Jimmy K is a true consumer advocate who is not afraid to battle the insurance company to ensure the proper restoration of the consumer's water damaged home office or asset.

Dangers of Unknown Water Damage

Wikipedia reports that Brittany Anne Murphy-Monjack, better known as Brittany Murphy, big screen star of films including Clueless, Girl Interrupted, 8 Mile, Sin City, Happy Feet, and Riding in Cars with Boys, died on December 20, 2009 from pneumonia despite public speculation of an eating disorder or drug abuse.  Sharon Murphy, mother of Brittney Murphy, has filed a lawsuit against her former attorneys alleging legal malpractice, breach of express and/or implied contract, and breach of fiduciary duty concerning the legal firm's negotiation of a settlement in this case which is underscored and aggravated by Sharon's reported discovery of "extensive water damage and mold infestation".   Sharon suggests the real cause of death of her daughter and her daughter's husband, Simon Monjack - who died five months and three days later with the same diagnosis, was Black Mold.

Black mold or toxic black mold is known to the scientific community as S. chlorohalonata and is one of the fifty species of Stachybotrys.  S. chlorohalonata is frequently found in water damaged buildings with poor indoor air quality and can result in a wide range of ailments depending on the length of exposure and the volume of spores inhaled.  It is well reported and documented that long term exposure can result in a bevy of maladies including immunosuppression, dementia, ongoing and recurring respiratory infections, irregular heartbeat, and death.

If Sharon can prove that the underlying cause of death for Brittany and Simon was in fact black mold infestation that was caused by the builder purposely covering up known water damage then she may in fact have a legitimate case against her previous attorney who settled the case opposed to perusing damages against the builder - who may be criminally negligent and, therefore, strictly liable for the deaths.  Alas, I am not an attorney and I am not qualified to practice law so I can only speculate, for entertainment purposes only, as to the potential responsibility and liability of this case.

However, what I can state without disclaimer is that mold abatement (defined as suppression or termination) is well within the operating scope and professional expertise of a professional, independent water damage restoration company.

A professional, independent water damage restoration company is professionally trained and industry certified to remediate (repair) water damage and eliminate other damages and risks caused by water damage including mold.  The reader would be wise to consider that such qualification and expertise may not be what you get when you call a national franchise or your insurance adjuster's suggested or "preferred" company to remediate your water damage as these "dependent" companies tend to cut corners in order to continue being preferred.  Perhaps the builder in question was an insurance company  preferred company?  We can only speculate.

R.I.P. Brittany Murphy

R.I.P. Simon Monjack

Best Wishes Sharon Murphy

May no one have to suffer the caustic and fatal effects of black mold again.

This article is composed by and offered as a public service by Jimmy K. Jimmy K is the Independent Owner and Operator of Emergency Response Restoration (http://www.emergencyresponserestoration.com/), 2665 N Atlantic Avenue, Daytona Beach, FL 32118. Jimmy K is a true consumer advocate who is not afraid to battle the insurance company to ensure the proper restoration of the consumer's water damaged home office or asset.

Why You Should Repair Water Damage Quickly

It is an unfortunate reality that many people underestimate the potential damage water can cause with even limited exposure time.  Chemistry teaches that water can be a base or an acid depending on environmental factors meaning that in high acid environments, water acts as a base and in low pH environments, water is slightly acidic.  The mutable nature of water affords water the ability to carve through solid rock to create beautiful natural wonders but this same ability can also destroy drywall, plumbing materials, and other common building materials.  This point, however, is often forgotten when people deal with water damage.

When dealing with water damage, many people simply focus on the top layer of water and neglect to do anything for the layers of water that have penetrated the subsurface or been absorbed in to the gypsum board (aka drywall and sheetrock) and sill plates usually due to the double whammy of they do not understand the risks and they do not have the proper extraction equipment.  Wikipedia reports that gypsum board is "easily damaged by exposure to water" and "supports the growth of mold."  While gypsum board is treated to make it more water resistant, should the gypsum board be punctured or should water, as in the case of water damage, collect around the unprotected area of the gypsum board, the porous gypsum board will then readily absorb and hold the water.  The longer this absorbed water stays inside the gypsum board the more damage it causes.

Unlike fire damage that leaves a visible and generally static path of damage, water damage can be subtle and can manifest its destruction over a period of time.  Opposed to the immediate destruction caused by fire, water, similar in many ways to stress, can slowly chip away at the host until it requires extensive repair at a cost that is MUCH higher and over an area MUCH larger than initial exposure would have been required to treat.  The subtle nature of water is what causes water damage to be regularly underestimated and, therefore, undertreated in real world case scenarios.

Unfortunately, despite the best intention and valiant effort of many honorable do-it-yourselfers, their efforts are for naught as they simply lack the equipment needed for remediation and such equipment is not commonly available at your local rental shop.  At best these people may have access to a commercial carpet cleaner which can effectively remove the top layer of water but does little to penetrate the subflooring or remove the absorbed water so they will stop when the area feels dry and will leave a fan on.  This method is very similar to the method employed by remediation professionals in the infancy of the water restoration profession but this was soon sent to pasture as it was quickly shown to be ineffective, at best, and a catalyst for decomposition and mold growth, at worst.

The best way to combat water damage, and to prevent the short and long term devastation caused by water damage, is to call a professional water damage restoration company as soon as the damage is found.  While the honorable do-it-yourselfer will have the unrelenting urge to break out their equipment and assist the professional water damage restoration company, the best way a do-it-yourselfer could assist the company is by disabling the source of the water damage (if possible), ensuring the area is free from electrical risks, and ensuring the affected area is free of debris and physical hazards (if possible) so that the professionals can extract the water as quickly as possible to minimize the restoration time.

Proper timing is essential for the fastest restoration.  Now you know.

This article is composed by and offered as a public service by Jimmy K. Jimmy K is the Independent Owner and Operator of Emergency Response Restoration (http://www.emergencyresponserestoration.com/), 2665 N Atlantic Avenue, Daytona Beach, FL 32118. Jimmy K is a true consumer advocate who is not afraid to battle the insurance company to ensure the proper restoration of the consumer's water damaged home office or asset.

What is that Smell?

You smell it... a foul stench that permeates the air and chokes the oxygen from you as you struggle to breath without holding your nose but you cannot find the source of the stench.  You have searched everywhere you can think to look but the smell persists and you wonder aloud if it is actually worsening.  You know it can't have anything to do with your recent water damage as you called the best carpet cleaner in the phonebook - the "family" owned operation with the big ad - and you were there when they removed the water.  They gave you full disclosure concerning a "little" dampness and even added a pleasant smelling chemical as you are a wonderful customer.  So, then, what is that smell?

That smell can be any number of maladies ranging from decomposition of hidden organic materials through the silent yet continual destruction of your walls through mold.  Such maladies omit a foul and offensive odor and each could have been avoided or abated by using a professional water damage restoration company.

The carpet cleaner was introduced herein as a generic but realistic scenario as this scenario plays out on a daily basis.  Most victims of water damage severely underestimate the scope of work that is required to indemnify the situation while simultaneously fearing the perceived cost to fix the situation.  While the carpet cleaner is working to the best of the cleaner's ability, a carpet cleaning company is NOT a professional water damage restoration company and is ill equipped, at best, to address the bevy of tasks required to properly remediate the water damage despite its best effort and honorable intention.  Additionally, most carpet cleaners are paid from the pocket of the water damage victim whereas a professional water damage restoration company can handle the entire restoration project thereby restoring the scenario to it preloss condition with, in many cases, little to no out of pocket money from the water damage victim as the water damage restoration company bills the water damage victim's insurance company for its service.

So rather than argue to defend the integrity of that nice man from the carpet cleaning company and wondering what that smell is, hire that nice man from that professional water damage restoration company and enjoy your restored asset without smell and without the risk of future problems stemming from an underestimation of the damage the water caused initially.  Better yet, tell your family and friends how that nice man from the water damage restoration company was able to complete ALL of the work without taking money from your pocket and how happy you are with the work!  They need to know.

This article is composed by and offered as a public service by Jimmy K. Jimmy K is the Independent Owner and Operator of Emergency Response Restoration (http://www.emergencyresponserestoration.com/), 2665 N Atlantic Avenue, Daytona Beach, FL 32118. Jimmy K is a true consumer advocate who is not afraid to battle the insurance company to ensure the proper restoration of the consumer's water damaged home office or asset.