Human error and faulty plumbing parts account for the lionshare of what causes water damage in homes. 

We are human after all, so it’s not uncommon to see water damage caused by simple mistakes. Some of the more frequent causes of water damage we see are: 

• Leaving a sink or tub faucet running and forgetting
• Screwing or nailing through a pipe in the wall or floor
• Not pumping the septic tank
• Clogging the toilet and overflowing
• Not replacing aged appliances and water heaters.
• Not having routine maintenance done on sump pumps, furnaces, water heaters, etc.
• Freezing pipes

Although the last one on that list may be considered an “act of nature”, water damage from frozen pipes, especially in vacation and second homes, can often be avoided or at least mitigated by the following:

• Know how and where to quickly shut off your main water supply
• Turn off your water supply or well pump when leaving home for extended periods
• Double check batteries in thermostats
• Double check propane tank

Set up leak detectors that can remotely notify you. This Lyric Wi-FI Water Leak & Freeze Detector was recommended by Precision Plumbing and D&W Mechanical.

Courtesy of: Water Damage Defense

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   Hoarding disorder is a persistent difficulty discarding or parting with possessions because of a perceived need to save them. This disorder is estimated to effect 3-5% of the population.  A person with hoarding disorder experiences distress at the thought of getting rid of the items. Excessive accumulation in a home, no matter the real or perceived value, can cause increased fire and life safety risks, slow emergency response, and put first-responders in danger.

   The Traverse Bay Area Task Force on Hoarding is a volunteer, advisory group that meets quarterly to review existing hoarding situations that affect the health and safety of individuals in the Grand Traverse County and surrounding areas.  The Task Force itself does not provide direct services but is comprised of representatives of agencies and programs that often are able to help. Organizations that encounter hoarding situations are encouraged to bring challenging cases to the monthly task force meeting for review (confidentiality rules apply) with the goal of identifying, developing plans, and locating resources that may help bring about a positive outcome for all involved.  

   For more information on Hoarding, to seek help with hoarding, or to report a hoarding situation, contact the Traverse Bay Area Task Force on Hoarding: traversebayhoarding@gmail.com

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How to Dry Wet Flooring

Comprehensive water damage mitigation can be a complex job that requires an experienced team with knowledge and resources to fully address. Consider this as just a quick reference guide:

• Call a restoration company who is certified with the IICRC. Most companies will give free estimates and have 24hr emergency response. A competent professional with experience and proper equipment will be able to mitigate the damage and save you from excessive repair costs.
• Check for hazardous conditions such as slippery floors, wet electrical, mold and unsanitary water.
• Elevate or move contents off of the floor to prevent further damage to furniture and staining to carpet.
• Remove as much water as possible with a shop vac and towels. Even after the leak is fixed, any water left behind will continue to soak into the building components such as drywall and under floor-covering.
• Detach the baseboard if the drywall is low enough to the floor and has wicked up moisture. If left unattended, drywall will continue to wick moisture up several feet in just a few hours. Use a multi-tool or putty knife to gently detach the trim without damaging the painted wall. Sometimes it’s necessary to cut out the drywall and/or insulation as well.
• Remove non-salvageable flooring. Even “waterproof” flooring such as vinyl and laminate can be ruined and trap moisture underneath if the water has flowed to the outer walls and soaked into the sub-floor. Carpet padding with a vapor barrier should also be removed. Use a knee kicker to safely detach the carpet in order to remove the wet padding. Carpet that is wet from a clean water source can most often times be re-installed after it’s dried out. In order to dry wet hardwood floors, you will need specialty equipment to set up on the floor as long as the damage is less than a few days old.
• Apply an EPA registered disinfectant to the wet areas. Make sure the disinfectant you use is rated for the surfaces you’re applying it to. Many disinfectants are not effective on carpet. Avoid using bleach since it isn’t EPA registered as an anti-microbial and is not safe to use on building components.
• Set up fans and lower the humidity of the air with dehumidifiers or by turning up the heat and ventilating air to outside.
• Verify that it’s dry by using a moisture meter and comparing readings with that of similar components in an unaffected/dry area.

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   Unless you’re an arborist or into restoring old wooden boats, water and wood usually don’t mix well. Hardwood flooring, cabinets, framing, and other porous components of the home, after being exposed to water, will begin to absorb moisture and swell. If left untreated, the damage can be irreversible. Even a small leak, gone unnoticed, can cause significant damage from rotting and mold growth. A recent article describes one of the worst case scenarios of this.

Immediate action to fix the cause of the leak is always the first step, followed by repairing the damages. If water damage is not immediately present, then make sure to keep a lookout for the following:

Signs of Hidden Water Damage

• Musty Odors
• Concentration of ants in the home
• Mold growth
• Water staining around doors and windows.

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How to Cleanup After Hoarding

   Cleaning up after hoarding can seem like an overwhelming task. In our experience, the most successful results come from the help and support provided by family and friends. Flood Fighters has helped dozens in our community with hoarding cleanup and we know there are many more that need help. According to a recent news article, there are an estimated 4,000 members of the Grand Traverse County community who struggle with hoarding.

   Over the last few years, Flood Fighters has worked closely with Traverse Bay Area Task Force on Hoarding with the goals of providing solutions to those in need as well as raising community awareness. If you or a loved one are looking for help with cleaning up from hoarding, we would encourage you to contact us by email or call us at 231-922-0600.

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Here’s some things to consider if you’d like to avoid the trouble:

• Familiarize yourself with the location of the main water shut off valve. Also find the circuit breaker for the well pump. Knowing how to quickly shut these off can keep a small flood from growing into a big one.
• Turn off your main water supply before leaving the home for vacation or long weekend away. Consult with your plumbing and HVAC service professional for the safest shut off procedures.
• Inspect or upgrade supply lines to faucets, appliances, and fixtures. Upgrade plastic and pvc lines with braided stainless steel lines.
• Prevent or remove ice build up on the roof. Ice build up creates a dam for water to pool up in and eventually leak into the home.
• Consider installing water alarms or flow monitor systems.
• Consider installing a battery back up for any sump or injector pumps.
• Annually service your furnace mounted humidifier.
• Ask your plumbing and HVAC provider about their annual service plan or flood prevention program.

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