3 Tips to Stay Safe When You Have a Sewage Backup

Just the phrase “sewage backup” is enough to strike fear in the hearts of a homeowner. It conjures up images of gross matter in the tub or shower, in the basement or on residential flooring. So as a homeowner, what can you do when faced with a sewage backup?

Find the Cause

First, try to pinpoint the cause of the problem so that you can at least begin to take care of it even before the pros come in. It may be that your sewer line is clogged, causing backup into your sink, tub or toilet. Large trees with extensive roots can also create backup problems since the roots can grow into and around the pipes, causing holes and blockage. Or, especially if you live in an older house, your sewer lines were probably built from iron and clay, both of which break down and/or rust over time. Understanding the cause of your problem will help you help us hone in on our job.

What You Can Do Before the Pros Arrive

The best idea for cleaning up a sewage leak is to call in one of the professional sewage cleanup services in Utah. If you decide to tackle this before we arrive, there are several things you can do:

• Clean your floors as quickly as possible, but be prepared to replace flooring that has been deeply penetrated by the sewage.
• Use a small amount of non-ammonia dish detergent mixed with one part chlorine bleach to four parts water to wash down all affected surface.
• If area rugs are salvageable, wash and dry them well. Have carpeting that has been slightly affected cleaned by a professional, but discards any carpeting that has gotten soaked.
• If it is safe to turn off all your power, do so; if you aren’t sure, wait until a professional gives you the okay.
• Don't flush your toilets or drain your sinks or tubs, and this can just create more mess and more problems.
• Do not try to unclog the system using harsh chemical products that can make things worse by damaging your pipes.

How to Keep Safe

Be aware of the issues that sewage backup can cause - health hazards, fire hazards and extensive property damage - and know how to protect yourself:

• Wear protective gloves, goggles, boots and a face mask.
• Open windows in order to ventilate the area.
• Keep children and pets away from the affected area.
• Add a cup of chlorine bleach when washing any contaminated clothing or bedding.

Call the Professionals

No matter how much you know and how thorough you may be, in order to ensure that the cleanup process is completely successful call one of the sewage cleanup services in Utah. We here at Utah Flood Cleanup have the expertise and experience to deal with cleaning and repairing the damage, and we can make sure that there is nothing left over that might cause the growth of mildew, fungi, and bacteria, all of which can create future problems for you.


About the Author:
Josh Ray is a disaster cleanup professional and the owner of Utah Flood Cleanup. He is a certified mold professional, asbestos inspector, water damage IICRC carpet cleaning professional, and holds a RRP certification. You can rest easy knowing an experienced professional is helping repair you fire damage, water damage, or mold remediation issue.


Utah Flood Cleanup
685 E. 2850 N.
North Ogden, UT 84414
(801) 416-2666

3 Signs of Mold in Your House

Over a thousand species of mold exist. The problem isn't in mold existing, but the quantity of it in a finite area. If your home becomes a place for mold to breed, you face potential health hazards. It's hard to know if you need mold removal. Have you noticed a musty smell in the house or noticed some wall discoloration? It's important to identify the signs of mold in your house for the safety of you, your family, and your home.

Unusual Smell

Sometimes a smell is hard to detect, especially if living among it for a while and the smell is still more of an undertone. However, leaving the home and returning may encourage the detection of strange odors. Mold produces an odor from the microbial volatile organic compound, or MVOC, gasses. This musty odor is a high warning sign of mold, even when not visible. Mold will grow in dark, damp areas such as behind walls, in ceilings, and under floors. Although mold grows very quickly, it isn't easy to detect. That's why visible signs of mold indicate an already troubling problem and an immediate need for mold remediation.

 

Ceiling or Wall Discoloration

While it's easy to recognize the outright growth of mold, minor discolorations are a strong indication of mold growth. The most obvious discoloration of mold comes in green or black. However, the slightly discolored areas of a wall are potential signs, as well. For instance, a white wall with slightly yellowed or off-white discoloration may indicate the beginning growth of mold in your house. The most common discoloration comes in:

• Yellow
• Grey
• Blue-green
• Black
• White
• Variations on the hue and tone of these colors.

Discoloration will likely be irregular and come with minor structural damage, such as peeling paint or curling of wallpaper. Mold remediation is the surest way to reverse these effects.

Water or Stains

High humidity, condensation, leaks, and standing water are all breeding grounds for mold. Standing water, such as in the basement, suggests a leak in the home. Water soaked into the walls, floors, or ceilings will stimulate the growth of mold. If you find you have standing water, clean it immediately and check for signs of mold. If mold is present, it's time for mold removal. Water stains need an inspection if no obvious signs of growth exist. When checking water stains consider their color, appearance, and texture.

In addition, if past flooding has occurred, a mold is a high likelihood. Water intrusions, such as broken water lines, are difficult to detect right away, which leave standing water and the chance for mold growth.

Utah Flood Cleanup for Mold Removal

If you're uncertain whether you have mold or have clearly identified the growth of mold in your home, contact Utah Flood Cleanup. We're efficient, effective, and timely. Mold is a serious condition for any home and health. Call us at (801) 416-2666 for a free consultation and let us make your home safe.


About the Author:
Josh Ray is a disaster cleanup professional and the owner of Utah Flood Cleanup. He is a certified mold professional, asbestos inspector, water damage IICRC carpet cleaning professional, and holds a RRP certification. You can rest easy knowing an experienced professional is helping repair you fire damage, water damage, or mold remediation issue.


Utah Flood Cleanup
685 E. 2850 N.
North Ogden, UT 84414
(801) 416-2666

3 Types of Toxic Mold

Mold is something most homeowners are terrified of, and at Utah Flood Cleanup, we fully understand why. Everyone has heard the horror stories of toxic mold growth and about how living in moldy environments can potentially lead to a range of different health problems. However, the truth is that there are more than 100,000 different types of mold and only very few of these are actually toxic.

Of course, to the untrained eye, all mold looks to the same. This means that it's always a good idea to hire a mold remediation specialist, as otherwise, it will be impossible for you to know if you're facing one of the many harmless species or one of these truly toxic varieties.

Stachybotrys

Typically referred to simply as black mold, Stachybotrys is by far the most dangerous type of mold for human health. Unfortunately, it is also one of the toughest types of mold to fully get rid of once it has fully set into a building. In fact, while bleach is often effective at killing most other species, it seems to have virtually zero effect on Stachybotrys.

Worse still, decreasing the humidity levels in the home, which is important in helping to dry out any wet spots, generally makes black mold problems even worse. This is because the lower humidity levels cause the mold to release its spores, thus spreading the problem throughout the house.

Exposure to this type of mold can lead to a range of serious health problems, especially in infants and young children. Typically, the first signs of exposure are similar to a cold or flu and can include coughing, sneezing, wheezing, rashes and diarrhea.

There are actually numerous types of black-colored mold, but this particular species is actually more of a greenish-black color and is generally slimy. As well, it is only ever found on wood, paper, and other cellulose products.

Aspergillus/Penicillium

These are the two most common types of mold found in water-damaged indoor environments. Although it is what penicillin is made of, penicillium is nonetheless toxic and can lead to asthma, pulmonary edema, bronchitis and, in cases of long-term exposure, emphysema. Similarly, aspergillus also typically leads to pulmonary infections and asthmatic sensitivity.

Chaetomium

Not much is actually known about this rarer mold species. However, what is known is that it can potentially lead to permanent DNA damage and neurological damage. Like most other species, the first symptoms of exposure tend to be the same as other allergic-type reactions. Chaetomium usually thrives in wet drywall and generally emits a very strong, musty odor, which at least makes it slightly easier to diagnose.

In the long run, it doesn't really matter what sort of mold problems you're facing, as the most important thing you can do is to immediately attack the problem at the first signs. Acting quickly is one of the keys to successful mold remediation. Not only will this help prevent the mold from spreading and thus minimize the amount of damage it does to your home, but it will also prevent any serious damage to you and your family's health in case you are dealing with one of these toxic species.

About the Author:

Josh Ray is a disaster cleanup professional and the owner of Utah Flood Cleanup. He is a certified mold professional, asbestos inspector, water damage IICRC carpet cleaning professional, and holds a RRP certification. You can rest easy knowing an experienced professional is helping repair you fire damage, water damage, or mold remediation issue.

Utah Flood Cleanup
685 E. 2850 N.
North Ogden, UT 84414
(801) 416-2666

3 Tips for Home Fire Prevention

Despite having the word "flood" in our name, we also understand how an unchecked fire can lead to damage either from something catching  fire and burning a home down or from the smoke that results from a strong blaze and leads to ruined furniture and valuables. According to the National Fire Protection Association, over 11,000 civilians were injured in 2015 from fires that started within the home. Below, we have provided a trio of tips to bear in mind in order to prevent a potential fire from affecting your home.

Tip #1: Be Mindful of Potential Heat Sources

Make sure that you have the house's heating system regularly checks by professionals. The term "heating system" includes any area where heat, flames or smoke are common, such as a fireplace or chimney. You want to make sure that all heat sources are clean and kept free of particulates that could potentially ignite and cause a fire.

It is also important to remember that a clothes dryer is a potential fire hazard if the lint trap is not regularly cleared. Should a clog develop in the dryer's filter or its lint trap, temperatures inside the dryer can grow beyond the rate that air escapes and the lint can be forced into contact with the dryer's heating element; resulting in a fire hazard.

Tip #2: Minimize the Chances For A Blaze Around the House

Keep potential sources of kindling as far away from the home as possible. Remember that this can include:

• Piles of firewood or dead tree limbs.
• Leaves either bagged up or left on the ground.
• Any form of trash or debris that can potentially work as an accelerant, such as anything oil- or paper-based.

Even a small patch of grass can lead to a massive blaze if it makes contact with any of the above, which may then spread to your house if left nearby. When disposing of hot ashes, toss them into a metal container far away from the home and any garage or tool shed.

As for mindfulness inside the house, keep vessels of cooking oil far from the stove. When cooking something that involves oil, you should always pay attention to the stove. If a grease fire flares up, immediately cut off the burner and then suffocate the blaze by covering it with either a lid or generous amounts of baking soda.

Tip #3: Be Mindful of Your Electrical Needs

Be exceedingly mindful of heating devices commonly sold during the winter season. While space heaters are great for warming a room, they can elevate temperatures to levels sufficient for starting fires. Be mindful of outlet extensions and power strips; too many active devices can overload circuitry. Always replace old or distressed power cords.

If you have any issues or concerns with fire or smoke damage, please don't hesitate to contact us at Utah Flood Cleanup. We can be reached through our website or over the phone at (801) 416-2666.

About the Author:

Josh Ray is a disaster cleanup professional and the owner of Utah Flood Cleanup. He is a certified mold professional, asbestos inspector, water damage IICRC carpet cleaning professional, and holds a RRP certification. You can rest easy knowing an experienced professional is helping repair you fire damage, water damage, or mold remediation issue.

Utah Flood Cleanup
685 E. 2850 N.
North Ogden, UT 84414
(801) 416-2666

3 Common Household Fire Hazards

Household fires are a common problem not to be ignored. Not only can fires cause a huge amount of damage to your home but they put the lives of you and your family at risk. According to the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), there are over 350,000 house fires every year in the United States alone.

Fortunately, there are many things that you can do to reduce the risk of fire, as many of the major causes of fire can be eliminated with proper safety precautions and a little bit of common sense. Below are 3 of the most common household fire hazards to watch out for.

1. Cooking

The majority of household fires are a result of cooking accidents. When people leave a hot stove or oven turned on, they put their home at risk of fire.

To prevent these risks be sure to use common sense and practice basic safety precautions.

Make sure to turn off any cooking equipment after using. Follow all cooking instructions closely, and be careful when using kitchen items.

Be sure that there are no flammable materials around cooking areas and surfaces. Unplug portable kitchen appliances when not in use and clean up all grease and oil spills immediately.

2. Electrical Systems

Electrical systems, particularly lighting sources, are another major cause of household fires. Lighting sources account for the majority of electrical fires and offer a considerable risk for your home.

Each year, more than $1 billion of property damage occurs each year due to electrical issues.

Be extra careful when setting up and maintaining the electrical systems in your home. Make sure that a qualified professional takes care of all of the wiring in your home and assure that electrics are properly installed.

Also, be sure to avoid using frayed and damaged cords. Be extra wary of overloading any power outlets in your home.

3. Candles

Candles can also offer a risk for your home. It can only take a few minutes of leaving an open flame unattended before an immense amount of damage is done.

Believe it or not, candle fires are quite common and the NFPA has found that from 2007-2011, candles started an average of 10,630 fires in the U.S, leading to many deaths and injuries as well as property damage.

A pet or child can easily nudge or knock over a candle. Be sure not to leave candles unattended and never use a candle too close to flammable materials. Keep candles at least 12 inches from anything flammable. Never leave a candle burning when you go to sleep at night.

The above list is just a few of the main fire hazards that we have found to be the most common, but there are many others. Be sure to take all of the preventative measures you can and you will be sure to never go through the pain of a household fire.

If the worst should happen, be assured that here at Utah Flood Cleanup we offer a full range of fire damage services that will help protect your home.

We offer a range of fire restoration services and can help restore your property and repair any stains, soot, or structural damage issues that occur. We also have services to help with damage from mold, flooding, and sewage backup. Call 801-876-5225 today for a free consultation.

 About the Author: 

Josh Ray is a disaster cleanup professional and the owner of Utah Flood Cleanup. He is a certified mold professional, asbestos inspector, water damage IICRC carpet cleaning professional, and holds a RRP certification. You can rest easy knowing an experienced professional is helping repair you fire damage, water damage, or mold remediation issue.

Utah Flood Cleanup
685 E. 2850 N.
North Ogden, UT 84414
(801) 416-2666

3 Signs of Black Mold

Discovering black mold in your home can be scary and frustrating. It's a toxic fungus that grows in damp areas, such as basements, and can severely affect the indoor air quality (IAQ) of your home. Black mold can be the result of flooding due to extreme weather conditions, poor ventilation, plumbing leaks or burst pipes.

A constant moist environment will only feed mold growth and lead to an infestation that will require professional remediation from the pros like us at Utah Flood Cleanup. This could cost you a lot of money or even your home. Not to mention cause respiratory illness or exacerbate pre-existing conditions. However, paying attention to the warning signs could get black mold out of your home before it gets too bad. Below are the three main warning signs of mold you should look out for.

Black Mold Can Be Seen

Mold usually appears as stains on the walls, furniture or other items. It comes in a variety of colors, but black mold obviously appears to be black. The stains or spots you see are actually a collection of mold spores. Spores are released into the air, and can be expelled through the ventilation system and inhaled deep into the lungs. So, if you see black mold stains on your wall this means there are a lot of mold spores around.
Dark mold that's found along baseboards and the lower part of the wall and accompanied by dampness of high humidity levels is most likely black mold, especially after flooding. If you discover this, you'll need to contact us immediately.

It Has a Musty or 'Moldy' Odor

Black mold is often smelled before it's seen. A musty or 'moldy' odor is an indication of microbial growth before any visible growth is detected on walls and other structures. This smell is often wafted through the ventilation system and can even be an indication that there's mold in the vents. If you smell a persistent pungent musty odor, then you must likely have some black mold growth in your home.

Black Mold Causes Health Problems

Respiratory issues is also an early indicator of black mold. Mold spores can be inhaled through the mouth and nose. This can cause coughing, congestion, sneezing, difficulty breathing, watery eyes, constant colds, asthma and other respiratory illnesses. It can also exacerbate pre-existing conditions, such as asthma, Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease, bronchitis and more.

Black mold is the most toxic form of mold and it can cause extreme issues and even be fatal to people with respiratory problems. Because it's so detrimental to the IAQ of a home and causes so many health problems, home's with black mold must be evacuated immediately. When we come into your home to re-mediate the mold, we'll make sure its all clear and livable before inviting you back in.

If you've been the victim of flooding or have seen signs of black mold growth, then you should call us at Utah Flood Cleanup immediately. Our certified specialists will come in, perform a mold inspection, clean things up, dry thing out and re-mediate that mold. We'll make your home like new and have you back in it in no time - safe and sound!

About the Author:
Josh Ray is a disaster cleanup professional and the owner of Utah Flood Cleanup. He is a certified mold professional, asbestos inspector, water damage IICRC carpet cleaning professional, and holds a RRP certification. You can rest easy knowing an experienced professional is helping repair you fire damage, water damage, or mold remediation issue.

Utah Flood Cleanup
685 E. 2850 N.
North Ogden, UT 84414
(801) 416-2666

3 Reasons to Choose Professional Mold Removal

Mold is never a word you want to hear regarding the inside of your home. Unfortunately mold and mold spores can't be prevented from entering a home. It can grow on any surface as long as there is ample moisture. In this situation, professional help is definitely advised.

Serious Health Hazard

Mold poses health risks to everyone exposed, young or old, healthy or ill. Depending on the type of mold, reactions can vary. According to the CDC, some common health problems reported are:
•    allergic reactions - sneezing, coughing, rash
•    fever
•    fatigue
•    flu-like symptoms
More serious health hazards that can occur are lung infections and fungal infections. Sometimes the illnesses can be tricky to diagnose if mold isn't immediately suspected or known to exist in the home. Yours or your loved ones health aren't worth risking. When mold is found, it's safest to have it removed correctly, right away.

Small Spores Can Be Hard To Locate

Mold spores, the form in which mold spreads and multiplies, are microscopic. It's not until mold has established growth that you will be able to see it. As trained professionals, we are able to locate the problem areas - whether from flood damage, a leak, etc. - and properly clean and repair the damage. This includes mold removal. The task can be daunting, especially without proper equipment and cleaners. Not to mention it's not something you will want to have to do again, especially if the problem area is behind a wall or in another hard to reach spot.

Home Value

If you have ever shopped for a used car, you probably checked to make sure it wasn't previously wrecked. There's a feeling that once something major has happened, the damages may never be fully repaired or cause recurring issues. The same often goes for homes. If your home has been affected by mold, or has been flooded and not checked for mold, a potential buyer could see that as a red flag, thus delaying the sale. Having your home and any issues arising with it properly and professionally handled gives assurance that all is well. A buyer wouldn't have to worry about future problems and your home value elevated.
Home is most likely where you spend most of your time. It's where your family and friends congregate, where you entertain, relax and maybe even work. You expend time and money to make it the best it can be. Any time something goes wrong such as a natural disaster, water pipe burst, mold growth, it is always best to get it taken care of quickly and effectively. At Utah Flood Cleanup we pride ourselves in getting your home, your life, back to normal. We have friendly, knowledgeable staff ready to make your clean up issue a distant memory, keeping your health, peace of mind and home in excellent condition.


About the Author:
Josh Ray is a disaster cleanup professional and the owner of Utah Flood Cleanup. He is a certified mold professional, asbestos inspector, water damage IICRC carpet cleaning professional, and holds a RRP certification. You can rest easy knowing an experienced professional is helping repair you fire damage, water damage, or mold remediation issue.


Utah Flood Cleanup
685 E. 2850 N.
North Ogden, UT 84414
(801) 416-2666