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5 Tips To Prevent Water Damage

Water can cause serious and expensive damage to a house. Here are 5 tips to prevent water damage to save you some stress and money.

1. Check Outdoor Water Pipes and Hoses

Maintaining outdoor water pipes and hoses is especially crucial as you prepare for winter or spring. In the winter, disconnect hoses so that they do not freeze into your house. Do you have sprinklers? Proper maintenance of your sprinklers can save you heartache. Regularly check your sprinklers for broken or leaking sprinkler heads.

2. Clean Gutters and Rain Spouts

Clean your gutters twice a year. Dirt and debris build-up can cause water to spill back into the house. Enough debris can also damage your rain gutters, making it more difficult for rain to drain properly. Also, make sure that rain spouts are pointed away from the house and are draining to a spot that will not run back towards the house. You do not want puddles of water collecting around the foundation of your home.

3. Find Your Water Main Shut Off

Every house should have a water main shut-off. In case of an emergency, you should be able to locate the shut-off quickly. Educate anyone else who lives in your home about where the water main shut off is so that if you are not home, they can also shut it off in case of an emergency. Also, if you will be leaving your house for an extended time, you may want to shut the water off to prevent potential leakage and water damage.

 4.Investigate Leaks Quickly

Water damage can spread quickly. However, one of the biggest threats of water damage is the rot and mold that follow. Discovering leaks quickly can help prevent the spread of water damage. Keeping an eye on your water bill can help. If you see a noticeable spike in water usage, it may be due to a leak. If you see a spike, make sure to investigate your home and yard for any evidence of water leaks. Quick intervention can prevent further damage to your home.

5. Check Your Water Pressure

If your water pressure is beyond what your pipes and faucets are built for, they may break. You can purchase a water pressure gauge to check the water pressure in your home. Attach the water pressure gauge to an outside faucet and turn it to full blast. You will be able to measure the water pressure for your home. Most residential water systems are built to handle 40-70 psi. If your water pressure is significantly above that, you will need to invest in a water pressure regulator.

Contact Black Diamond Water Damage & Disaster Restoration for Assistance

As you inspect your home, if you find anything amiss or any water damage, reach out to Black Diamond Water Damage & Disaster Restoration. We can help you prevent water damage and repair any existing damage. They are the premier water damage experts serving Salt Lake and Utah County areas in Utah. Contact us at our website or call us at 801-512-4192 for 24/7 service.

What To Do During a Power Outage

When you’re experiencing a power outage, most people assume the power will be restored within a few hours. But this isn’t always the case. Power outages can last as little as a few minutes to as long as several days or even weeks, and sometimes even longer in the case of natural disasters. If you find yourself without power for any period of time, here’s what to do.

Be in the Know

The first thing to do when your power goes out is to check for local alerts. Many utility companies will send out emails or push notifications to customers in their area when a power outage occurs. If you haven’t heard anything, check the news and weather stations to see if anything is being reported. If it’s still radio silence on the subject, call your power company to report the outage. Receiving alerts might not seem like a big deal, but if the outage will last longer than a few hours it’s important to be in the know. 

Protect Your Home from Fire Hazards

According to the American Red Cross, power outages can lead to power surges and overloads. These can be a major fire hazard, so when the power goes out it’s important to take a few precautions. Unplug any appliances and electronic devices, and inspect your circuit breaker. If any of the circuits have been tripped, you should call a professional to make sure the wiring hasn’t been damaged. The Red Cross also recommends using flashlights as a light source instead of candles to prevent fires.

Take Precautions with Cold Food

One of the biggest concerns many people have in power outages is perishable foods. Losing all that food can be costly, so take precautions to preserve it as long as possible. Try to avoid opening the fridge and freezer to keep them cold inside. An unopened refrigerator can keep food cold for about 4 hours without power, while an unopened freezer can maintain freezing temperatures for up to 48 hours if it’s full. Opening the doors will significantly reduce the cold air inside and cause food to go bad faster. 

Safety Is Key

Priority number one during any emergency, including loss of power, should be keeping yourself and your family safe. Evaluate the situation and determine whether it’s safe to stay in your home or if you need to leave. If it’s too hot or too cold, do your best to get to somewhere with heat or air conditioning. Never use a power generator indoors or use a gas oven to heat your home, as these could cause carbon monoxide poisoning. 

Black Diamond Water Damage & Disaster Restoration Is Here

Maintaining and repairing your home during a power outage can be a lot of work, especially if it’s caused by a natural disaster. Black Diamond Water Damage & Disaster Restoration is here to help. Our professionals offer fast and responsive service to your emergency 24/7. We serve clients in Salt Lake City, Utah, and the surrounding cities, including Murray, West Jordan, Taylorsville, and Sandy. If you’re experiencing an emergency, prompt action can help save your home and belongings. Contact us today to see how we can help!

Garage Fire Hazards

Many homeowners take home fire prevention seriously, yet they have their fair share of garage fire hazards without even realizing it. 

Your home is equipped with fire extinguishers and smoke detectors, but most garages are left unprotected. This lack of safety equipment, along with many of the hazardous items commonly stored in garages, make your garage a prime place for a fire to start. 

There’s an average of 6,600 home garage fires every year in the U.S., resulting in over $457 million of property loss. Here’s a look at some of the most common fire hazards in home garages and what you can do to fix them.

Hazard: Electrical Malfunction

According to the United States Fire Administration, electrical malfunction is the leading cause of garage fires across the nation. Garage fires can result from faulty wiring, electrical shorts, and overloaded electrical outlets. 

Solution: Don’t Use Extension Cords Regularly

Extension cords are great for temporary uses, but avoid using them regularly. Garage door openers, freezers, and other appliances should be plugged directly into a wall outlet to avoid overloading sockets. It’s also important to have an electrician inspect your wiring to ensure everything is safe and up to code, especially if you live in an older home. 

Hazard: Flammable Materials

Gasoline, oil, propane, fertilizer, untreated wood, and other highly flammable materials are common garage fire hazards. Propane, in particular, presents a serious fire hazard, especially if your propane tank has a leak. A small spark could send your entire garage, and consequently your home, up in flames.

Solution: Don’t Store Propane or Gasoline in Your Garage

Propane should never be stored indoors. Keep it outdoors by your grill, and avoid purchasing extra tanks for storage. Gasoline and other flammable liquids are also best stored in a shed or another location away from your home. Even if these items aren’t the cause of a fire, they can cause it to spread much more quickly. 

Hazard: Clutter

The garage is an easy place to store things so that they don’t clutter up your home, but excessive stuff in the garage can be an extreme fire hazard. Stacks of newspapers, cardboard boxes, and cans of paint and varnish all make ideal kindling for a fire.

Solution: Throw Things Away

Get out the garbage cans and get to work decluttering that garage. Throw away things that you no longer need, and consider storing things in a more organized manner in storage bins rather than cardboard boxes. 

Black Diamond Water Damage & Disaster Restoration Is Here

Garage fire hazards are a real concern and should be taken seriously. But if you do experience a fire in your garage or home, Black Diamond Water Damage & Disaster Restoration is here to help. Our team of highly trained professionals is experienced in fire damage restoration and can handle everything from smoke to structural damage and everything in between. We offer 24/7 emergency services to clients in Salt Lake City, Utah, and the surrounding areas. Contact us today to get started!

How to Safely Burn Weeds

How do you safely burn weeds? Whether there is a red flag fire warning or not, proper fire safety protocols can prevent a disaster.

Before You Get Started

Many places have strict regulations around when and where you can have a “residential open burn”. In Utah, you must gain a permit through the Utah Department of Environmental Quality. Many states have similar requirements and guidelines.

For more information, see the Utah Department of Environmental Quality’s website: 

https://air.utah.gov/OpenBurning/index.htm

What You Should and Should Not Burn

Controlled residential open burns should only include lawn waste. Weeds and untreated wood are both ok to burn once they are dry. 

For your safety and the safety of those around you, keep these things out of your fire pit:

  • Plastics — Plastics release toxic fumes into the air when they are burned. Recycle or properly dispose of plastics.
  • Treated wood — This includes pallets, painted wood, particleboard, or any wood with a finish or chemicals on it. These chemicals will release toxins into the air when burned.
  • Poisonous plants — Poison Ivy, Oak, and Sumac react with the skin because of the oils in the leaves. If those oils get into the air, they can cause severe respiratory reactions. To check your weeds for poison ivy and sumac, use this handy guide about poisonous plants.
  • Trash — Your trash can be full of materials that will pollute the air with toxic fumes. Stick to yard waste.

Tips to Safely Burn Weeds

When burning yard waste, you want to follow general fire safety protocols. Especially in dry months, you need to be very careful about starting a larger fire. 

Follow these guidelines, and you should be ready to clear your yard waste.

  • Clear the area — Don’t have any debris, grasses, other plants, or anything flammable close to the fire pit. A stray spark can ignite any kind of fuel. Clear an at least 10’ wide berth around the pit before starting the fire.
  • Have materials to put out the fire — Have materials ready in case you need to extinguish the fire in a hurry. Make sure that you have enough for the size of fire that you are making. A garden hose and a few buckets of water will do the trick.
  • Contain the fire — Use rocks, pavers, or some other non-flammable substance to surround the fire area.
  • Check the weather — Make sure that it will not be windy. Wind can take sparks far away from your cleared area and cause them to ignite quickly. Wind can also cause your fire to grow quickly and get out of control.

Contact Black Diamond Water Damage & Disaster Restoration

Research the guidelines in your area and follow the guidelines above to safely burn weeds. Oftentimes, there are better ways to dispose of your weeds, though. If you do choose to burn your weeds, and the fire gets out of hand, Black Diamond Water Damage & Disaster Restoration can help restore your home or structures. If you have any questions about our services, please contact us. We serve Salt Lake City, Murray, and surrounding areas in Utah. 

Where Mold Growth Is Most Commonly in Your Home

When it comes to caring for and maintaining your home, mold growth might not be on your radar since it takes time to build up. 

The thing about mold is that you don’t realize it’s there most times until it’s too late. That’s because it starts small and then grows and expands and often happens in places that aren’t initially very noticeable.

So what are some of the spots in your home that mold typically grows? What are the places that you should be keeping a close eye on so that you can nip things in the bud before it gets too severe? Here are some of the most common places that mold grows.

In and Around Sinks

Mold makes itself known once it comes in contact with moisture. Because of this, one of the more common places to find mold growth is in and around sinks. You would often find mold in your bathroom, kitchen, or even a utility sink in your laundry room or garage.

Shower and Bathtub

The next spot to keep an eye on is your shower and bathtub. It can be expected for water to sit for more extended periods in your shower or tub, so if you stepped out of the shower a while ago and you still see water, just grab a towel and dry it off.

Bathroom Floor

Another fairly common place to see mold is the bathroom floor. This is especially true around and underneath any mats that you might have placed in your bathroom. It’s easy to let excess moisture gather underneath your rugs and go unnoticed. Make it a point to lift up those mats often and frequently mop your bathroom floor.

Refrigerator

Keep an eye on your refrigerator. We’re not just talking about those old leftovers, either. A drip or a leak in your refrigerator can lead to small puddles that can quickly go unnoticed in the back of your fridge. Schedule out times to regularly clean out your refrigerator.

Windows

Another spot where mold frequently grows is on your window sills or in your window wells. It’s an incredibly easy place for moisture to gather, making it an ideal spot for mold to spread. It’s also simple for it to go unnoticed, so keep an eye on those windows!

Mattresses

One spot you may not have expected is your mattress. Humidity is another factor that assists in mold growth, so if it’s humid in your home, there’s a chance you will find mold on your mattress. Make sure you keep things dry and cool to prevent that unwanted mold.

Contact Black Diamond Restoration

We get it: no one wants to find mold growth in their house, and when you see it, you want it gone right away. Here at Black Diamond Restoration, we provide a variety of home restoration services, including mold damage. We happily service individuals and businesses in Salt Lake City and the surrounding areas in Utah. Contact us today to get more details on what we can do for you!

Where Mold Is Most Commonly in Your Home

When it comes to caring for and maintaining your home, mold might not be on your radar since it takes time to build up. 

The thing about mold is that, most times, you don’t realize it’s there until it’s too late. That’s because it starts small and then grows and expands, and often, this happens in places that aren’t initially very noticeable.

So what are some of the spots in your home that mold typically grows? What are the places that you should be keeping a close eye on so that you can nip things in the bud before it gets too serious? Here are some of the most common places that mold grows.

In and Around Sinks

The thing about mold is that it really makes itself known once it comes in contact with moisture. Because of this, one of the more common places to find mold is in and around sinks. This could be in your bathroom, in your kitchen, or even a utility sink in your laundry room or garage.

Shower and Bathtub

The next spot to keep an eye on is your shower and bathtub. It can be common for water to sit for longer periods of time in your shower or tub, so if you stepped out of the shower a while ago and you’re still seeing water, just grab a towel and dry it off.

Bathroom Floor

Another common place is the bathroom floor. This is especially true around and underneath any mats you might have placed in your bathroom. It’s easy to let moisture that gathers underneath your mats go unnoticed. Make it a point to lift up those mats often and frequently mop your bathroom floor.

Refrigerator

Keep an eye on your refrigerator. We’re not just talking about those old leftovers, either. A drip or a leak in your refrigerator can lead to small puddles that can easily go unnoticed in the back of your fridge. Schedule out times to regularly clean out your refrigerator.

Windows

Another spot where mold frequently grows is on your window sills or in your window wells. It’s an incredibly easy place for moisture to gather, making it an ideal spot for mold to spread. It’s also simple for it to go unnoticed, so keep an eye on those windows!

Mattresses

One spot you may not have expected is your mattress. Humidity is another factor that helps mold grow, so if it’s humid in your home, there’s a chance you will find mold on your mattress. Make sure you keep things dry and cool so prevent that unwanted mold.

Contact Black Diamond Restoration

We get it: no one wants to find mold in their house, and when you see it, you want it gone right away. Here at Black Diamond Restoration, we provide a variety of home restoration services, including mold damage. We happily service individuals and businesses in the Salt Lake Valley in Utah. Contact us today to get more details on what we can do for you!

What You Should Have in Your Emergency Kit

Floods, fires, power outages, and other disasters could strike at any moment, so it’s best to be prepared with an at-home emergency kit.

Creating a personalized emergency kit is simple if you know what to include in it. If you don’t have an endless supply of time, money, or room, here are our top picks for the most essential items you should invest in.

Portable Water Filter

Grabbing a case of water isn’t very manageable as you make an emergency exit from your home, but a portable water filter can easily fit inside any bag. If you find yourself without a clean water source, this device uses a microfiltration membrane to remove 99.9 percent of parasites, microplastics, and bacteria.

First Aid Kit

Injuries can happen at any time, so make sure you pack a portable first aid kit in your emergency bag. This should include basic items such as bandages in various sizes, gauze, burn ointment, antibiotic ointment, sterile gloves, pain relievers, soap, tweezers, and sterilized wipes.

Flashlight and Extra Batteries

When the power’s out, a flashlight is a lifesaver. Be sure to pack extra batteries in your emergency stash as well. If you don’t have the storage space for batteries, you could invest in a battery-free flashlight instead. This type of flashlight is powered by solar energy and hand-crank technology.

Emergency Blankets

Emergency blankets have a wide range of uses that make them a useful addition to any survival kit. These blankets are excellent at retaining body heat and are waterproof, windproof, and moisture-resistant. They would make a great ground tarp, rain poncho, table cloth, shelter tent, and more.

Radio

You never know how much cell service will be available in the event of an emergency or disaster. A radio is essential for receiving crucial emergency information, such as weather or evacuation alerts. Any hand-cranked or battery-operated radio can be extremely helpful in these situations.

Non-Perishable Food

Perhaps the most important thing to include in your emergency kit is a three-day supply of non-perishable food. Choose foods that don’t require special preparation or refrigeration, and check the expiration dates often to ensure that your supply stays fresh.

Any Specific Personal Needs

The American Red Cross reminds you to consider the needs of all family members as you add supplies to your kit. This might include:

  • Personal medical supplies (contact lenses, hearing aids, diabetic supplies, prescription medications, etc.)
  • Baby supplies (diapers, wipes, formula, baby food, etc.)
  • Pet supplies (collar, food, bowl, leash, etc.)
  • Small games and activities for children

Let Black Diamond Restoration Help

If you’ve ever been in a situation where you’ve used an emergency kit, you could likely use home restoration services; that’s where Black Diamond Restoration comes in. We specialize in restoring homes with flood, fire, storm, and mold damage back to their former glory.

We are based out of Murray, Utah, and proudly serve Salt Lake City and the surrounding areas such as Midvale, West Jordan, Sandy, and more. Contact us for a free quote today!

Why You Should Be Using A Drain Snake Regularly

You have probably used a drain snake before to remove a clog, but did you know you should be using it more regularly? 

Keep reading to find out more.

Clog Prevention

Rather than wait until the water doesn’t drain out of your tub anymore to remove a clog, why not take care of debris in your shower and sink drains before it becomes an issue? By snaking your drain regularly, you are removing debris from your drains before they get a chance to clog, saving you the hassle of trying to get rid of significant blockages. 

Other means of preventing clogs in your pipes include:

  • Use a sink or shower strainer to catch hair and debris so you can throw it in the trash instead of rinsing it away.
  • Clear out your garbage disposal after every use by running cold water with the disposal running, then letting the water run for a full minute after the disposal is off. This should break up debris and help it to move further down into the pipes. 
  • Never dispose of building materials in your drains. Things that may seem harmless, like paint, spackle, plaster, or wallboard materials, can end up hardening into serious clogs that may take even more than a drain snake to clear out. Always dispose of your building materials properly in the trash rather than down the drain. 

Keep Your Pipes in Working Order

The key to keeping your pipes in good working order is to make sure that water can easily flow through them. Clogs in your pipes can quickly lead to burst or leaky pipes, issues with rust, or other forms of damage. Additionally, liquid clog-removing products can damage your home’s pipes over time, leading to costly repairs and replacements. By regularly using a drain snake, you remove debris from your drain before the problem gets so out of hand that you need to use other products. Save the money you would use on expensive plumbing services and snake your drain regularly instead.

The Dangers of Water Damage

If your pipes clog, water could begin to back up and overflow into your home. This water can ruin your belongings, warp your wood floors and cabinets, and even lead to mold and rust running rampant through your house. The key to preventing clogs is to snake your drains regularly, but you need professional restoration services to deal with the water damage if it is already too late. 

Contact Black Diamond Restoration

If a drain snake is no longer enough to get your drain and pipes in working order, reach out to the experts at Black Diamond Restoration today. We specialize in restoring burst or leaky pipes as well as water damage that can result from them, so your home is as good as new again. Don’t waste any more time dealing with faulty plumbing on your own; instead, get professional help. We serve the residents of beautiful Murray, Utah. 

5 Things You Need to Know and do After a Flood

The time after a flood can be critical to mitigating as much water damage as possible. Keep reading for what you should do post-flood. 

Flood Safety 

Flooding is hazardous, so you must exercise caution. Here are our tips for staying safe during a flood:

  • Stay off bridges over fast-moving water, as moving water can sweep away bridges without warning. 
  • If it’s flooding outside, avoid driving as much as possible. 
  • If you are told to evacuate, evacuate immediately and avoid driving over barricades. 
  • If you are trapped in a building, make your way to the highest floor. Avoid going into an enclosed attic so that you won’t end up trapped by rising water. 
  • Avoid wading in deep floodwater to avoid potential debris or stray electrical charge. 

Safety Tips for Cleaning Your Home After a Flood

Once there is no longer an immediate danger, you can begin caring for your home and trying to mitigate any water damage. To keep yourself safe during the cleanup, consider following these tips: 

  • Avoid touching electrical equipment if it is wet or if you are standing in water as you run the risk of electrocution. If it’s safe to do so, turn off the power to your home before entering. 
  • Wear heavy gloves and other protective clothing to protect you from broken glass and sharp objects. 
  • People with asthma or other respiratory conditions shouldn’t enter buildings with water leaks or mold that can be smelled. 
  • Open windows while cleaning to allow any fumes to escape. 
  • Be mindful that snakes and other animals may have entered your home during the flood. 
  • Always wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water before eating and when you finished cleaning. 
  • Children should not help with after-flood cleanup.

Cleaning Up After a Flood

To avoid mold growth, try to dry out your home within 48 hours. Everything in your home will need to be cleaned if it has come into contact with contaminated floodwater, particularly cloth items and upholstery, as floodwater can introduce bacteria and viruses into your home. Although it may be hard, it’s best to throw away wet items that can’t be cleaned. Take photos of these items before you throw them away for insurance purposes. 

When cleaning up after a flood and managing flood damage, it’s best to get expert help. The workload can become overwhelming, and it’s vital that you do a thorough job to protect yourself and your family from potential illnesses. Choose a trustworthy company that offers 24/7 emergency services so you can have help when you need it. 

Let Black Diamond Restoration Help

If your home or business has recently flooded, let us help with all the cleanup and restoration that must be done after a flood. At Black Diamond Restoration, we take pride in providing expert water damage, mold, fire, sewage, storm, and biohazard cleanup to residents and businesses in the Salt Lake Valley. Contact us today to get your free evaluation.

5 Frequently Asked Questions About Water Damage

It’s ok to have questions about water damage, especially if you’re a new homeowner who hasn’t had to deal with it much. 

Here’s the thing: it’s the last disaster you want to have to deal with in your home or business, and the prospect of taking care of water damage can feel incredibly overwhelming.

We get it! You want to take care of your property and get water damage resolved right away. So what are some of the most frequently asked questions that people encounter when faced with this daunting task? 

1. Will My Homeowners Insurance Cover Water Damage?

Depending on the depth of the damage caused by the water, you could be looking at a pretty steep restoration bill. Perhaps the most common question about water damage is whether or not it will be covered by your homeowners insurance.

While there isn’t one overarching answer to this question, it’s safe to say that most insurance policies will cover water damage if it was accidental. You’ll want to reach out to your insurance agent to go over the details of your coverage before seeking restoration help.

2. What Causes Water Damage?

There are a number of things that can cause water damage. It could be extreme weather in your area, or perhaps leaking pipes or a malfunction with your washer. Other possible causes include a leaking water heater or condensation from your air conditioning.

3. What Do I Do When My House Floods?

When possible, the first thing you want to do is turn off the source that is causing the flooding. The next thing you need to do is turn off the electricity, and then have everyone vacate the premises. Call for help, including your insurance agent.

Once you’ve assessed the damage and recorded the items that will need reparation, you will want to look into a restoration service to get everyone cleaned up and safe again so that you can get your home back to normal.

4. Does Water Damage Cause Mold?

Yes, water damage causes mold, which is one of the main reasons that, if you have water damage, you want to act fast to get it taken care of. Mold grows in places where there is a lot of moisture and condensation, and when left unattended, it can become incredibly dangerous for you and your family.

5. What’s The Best Way To Handle Water Damage?

Depending on the extent of your water damage, you’ll find that you have a handful of options. If the damage is minor, you could potentially use a shop vac or a few strong fans to air out your house and restore the flooring.

If the damage is more extensive, it’s a good idea to turn things over to the professionals and hire out a restoration team to take care of things for you.

Contact Black Diamond Water Damage & Disaster Restoration

We know that even needing to consider these questions about water damage can feel daunting. Here at Black Diamond Restoration, we make it a priority to remove the stress of dealing with water damage. Located in Murray, in the Salt Lake Valley in Utah, we are happy to help you with all of your restoration needs. Contact us today to get more details!

About us

Black Diamond Water Damage and Disaster Restoration is ready to serve all your restoration needs, 24/7. Based out of Murray, Utah, we proudly serve Salt Lake City and surrounding areas. Our licensed and certified professionals will help you through the restoration process, restoring your home or commercial space to exacting standards. With over twenty years of Disaster Restoration experience, we do it all, and we do it right!
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