Water Damage Recovery and Cleanup Tips for Commercial Kitchens

2/20/2024 (Permalink)

By following these tips and partnering with professionals like our SERVPRO® team, businesses can minimize downtime and ensure a quick recovery.

Water damage incidents in commercial kitchens can bring operations to a halt and pose many significant challenges. At SERVPRO®, we understand the critical nature of swift and efficient cleanup in these environments. In this guide, we'll provide essential recovery and cleanup tips tailored specifically for commercial kitchens facing water damage.

Safety First

When confronted with a water leak or flood, prioritize safety. Immediately shut off the water supply and power sources to prevent further damage and ensure the safety of employees and occupants. Evacuate if necessary and ensure no one enters the affected area until it's deemed safe.

Quick Response and Damage Assessment

Time is of the essence in such emergencies. Contact professional restoration services like SERVPRO of Northeast Tucson immediately to begin the cleanup process promptly. Trained professionals will swiftly assess the extent of water damage, inspect affected areas, and develop a tailored restoration plan for your commercial kitchen.

Water Extraction and Drying

Utilize specialized water extraction tools and drying equipment to remove excess water from surfaces, flooring, and hard-to-reach areas. Thorough drying is crucial to prevent mold growth and structural damage. Industrial-grade dehumidifiers and air movers can facilitate the drying process effectively.

Salvaging Equipment and Inventory

Have trained professionals evaluate the damage to kitchen equipment. Some items may be salvageable with proper cleaning and restoration techniques. Assess food inventory for contamination due to water exposure and discard any compromised items to prevent risks to occupants.

Thorough Cleaning and Sanitization

Employ professional-grade cleaning agents and techniques to sanitize surfaces, equipment, and affected areas thoroughly. Implement antimicrobial treatments to prevent mold growth in moisture-prone areas and ensure a safe, sanitized kitchen environment.

Repair and Restoration

Address any structural damage caused by water, such as damaged walls, flooring, or cabinets. Work with restoration professionals to restore these elements. Ensure all kitchen systems, including plumbing and electrical components, are thoroughly inspected and restored to full functionality.

Preventive Measures for Future Incidents

Implement a routine maintenance schedule for plumbing, equipment, and kitchen infrastructure to prevent future water damage incidents. Educate kitchen staff on preventive measures and emergency protocols to minimize the risk of water-related disasters.

Why SERVPRO® for Commercial Kitchen Water Damage Restoration?

Our 24/7 emergency service ensures immediate response to mitigate water damage and restore normalcy to your commercial kitchen swiftly. With specialized expertise in commercial water damage restoration, our professionals deliver efficient and effective solutions using state-of-the-art equipment. We understand the unique challenges of commercial kitchens and provide customized restoration plans to meet specific needs.

Recovering from water damage in a commercial kitchen requires a comprehensive approach and professional expertise. By following these tips and partnering with professionals like our SERVPRO® team, businesses can minimize downtime and ensure a quick and efficient recovery.

How Your HVAC Can Cause Water Damage

10/9/2023 (Permalink)

Water damage to your HVAC system in Tucson, AZ, is a concern that should not be overlooked.

When it comes to water damage, your HVAC (Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning) system can be vulnerable. In this blog, we'll delve into the potential causes of water damage to your HVAC system and provide you with essential tips for cleaning and restoration to keep your Tucson home comfortable and safe.

Understanding Water Damage to Your HVAC System

Water damage to your HVAC system can result from several sources, and it's crucial to recognize the signs:

Condensation Buildup: In Tucson's scorching summers, condensation can accumulate within your HVAC system. Over time, this moisture can lead to mold growth and component deterioration.

Clogged Drain Lines: Dust and debris can accumulate in your system's drain lines, causing blockages. This blockage can lead to water backup, affecting the efficiency of your HVAC system.

Monsoon Season: Tucson experiences monsoon storms, which can sometimes lead to water intrusion into your home. If your HVAC system is located in a vulnerable area, it could be exposed to excess moisture.

Cleaning and Restoration Tips for Your HVAC System

Protecting your HVAC system from water damage is essential to ensure it operates efficiently and maintains indoor air quality. Here's what you can do:

Regular Maintenance: Schedule routine maintenance for your HVAC system. A professional technician can inspect for any signs of water damage, clean components, and ensure proper drainage.

Clean or Replace Filters: Dirty or clogged filters can restrict airflow and contribute to moisture buildup. Clean or replace filters as recommended by the manufacturer.

Check Drain Lines: Inspect and clean your HVAC system's drain lines to prevent clogs. If you notice any blockages, use a mixture of vinegar and water to clear them.

Condensate Pan Maintenance: Regularly check and clean the condensate pan. Ensure it is properly aligned to drain excess moisture away from your HVAC system.

Seal Ductwork: Ensure that your ductwork is sealed properly to prevent outside moisture from infiltrating the system.

Elevate Equipment: If possible, elevate your HVAC equipment to protect it from potential flooding during monsoon season.

Professional Help

For more extensive water damage or mold issues within your HVAC system, it's crucial to consult with professionals experienced in water damage restoration and mold remediation. SERVPRO® of Northeast Tucson, Oro Valley/Marana East, is here to assist you with these complex situations, ensuring your HVAC system is thoroughly cleaned, repaired and restored to its optimal condition.

Water damage to your HVAC system in Tucson, AZ, is a concern that should not be overlooked, given our unique climate. Regular maintenance and timely intervention are the keys to keeping your HVAC system in top shape. If you encounter severe water damage issues or need professional assistance, don't hesitate to contact SERVPRO. We are your trusted local experts, ready to help you maintain a comfortable and safe indoor environment for your family.

Sewer Backup in The Middle of the Night is No Problem in Marana?

12/6/2022 (Permalink)

We provide sewage cleanup services 24-hours a day in Pima County.

Our Northeast Tucson and Oro Valley/Marana East technicians are certified by the Institute of Inspection, Cleaning, and Restoration Certification (IICRC). Our technicians have the training, equipment, and experience to clean and restore sewer backups quickly and efficiently in Marana. Sewer water is grossly unsanitary and can carry infectious viruses and dangerous bacteria that can cause serious health problems.

Here are the three classifications for contaminated water that we remediate:  

Category 1: “Clean Water”

This is water from a clean source, such as a broken clean water supply line or faucet.

• Water from a clean source, like a broken water line
• If left untreated, it can degrade into categories two or three

Category 2: “Gray Water”

• It May contain bacteria and viruses
• It can quickly degrade into category three if left untreated

Category 3: “Black Water”

This water is grossly unsanitary and could cause severe illness or death if ingested, and any contact should be avoided. Sources for category three, “black water,” include flooding from rivers or streams, water from beyond the toilet trap, water from the toilet bowl with feces, or standing water that has begun to support microbial growth.

• May contain untreated sewage, harsh chemicals, and microbes
• Water from flooding rivers or sewer backup

Call Us Today!

Our local team in Northeast Tucson, Oro Valley, and Marana East can help when your home or business in Marana has a sewage backup. Call us today at 520-760-9352.

Franchises are independently owned and operated.

How Will I Know If My Property Is Completely Dried When I Have Water Damage in My Redington Ranch Home?

11/8/2022 (Permalink)

We restore water damage 24-hours a day in Pima County.

Redington Ranch residents rely on us to restore water damage emergencies quickly and efficiently. Our Northeast Tucson and Oro Valley/Marana East follow a comprehensive six-step water damage restoration process. During Step 4, we set up powerful air movers and blowers and monitor and document the drying process to ensure the area is completely dried.  

Most of the surfaces in homes and businesses are porous, so when they are exposed to water, the water can seep into them. Although these surfaces may be dry to the touch, they may retain moisture, which, left untreated, can cause the materials to break down, warp, or cause mold damage.

Drying and Dehumidification Process

Our professionals use room measurements, temperature, and relative humidity to determine the number of air movers and dehumidifiers to dry the area. We also monitor and document the drying process to ensure the damage is dried thoroughly. Here is some additional information from our website about our drying process.

Monitor Floor and Walls

We check the moisture levels to monitor the drying process. 

• Monitor Floors
• Monitor Walls

Drying Equipment

• Industrial-grade dehumidifiers help prevent secondary water damage like swelling and warping floors, walls, and furniture
• High-speed air movers create airflow across walls, carpets, pads, and furniture, accelerating moisture evaporation

Call Us Today!

Our local team in Northeast Tucson, Oro Valley, and Marana East is Here to Help ® when your home or business in Redington Ranch has water damage. Call us today at 520-760-9352.

Franchises are independently owned and operated.

What Happens During a Water Damage Assessment and Inspection in Tucson?

11/1/2022 (Permalink)

We respond to water damage emergencies 24-hours a day in Pima County.

Our Northeast Tucson and Oro Valley/Marana East follow a comprehensive six-step water damage restoration process. Here is what we do during Step 2 of the process.

We begin with a detailed inspection of your home or property to assess the damage. The assessment helps our professionals develop the best plan of action.

We Identify and Stop the Water Source

We will check for the source of moisture in your home or business. The source must be stopped before any restoration or drying of the building can be successful.

We Identify the Type of Water

We will identify the category and classification of water damage to ensure our professionals restore your property based on industry guidelines. The water contamination level will affect the specific restoration processes we use.

• Category 1: "Clean Water"
• Category 2: "Gray Water"
• Category 3: "Black Water"

We survey the extent of the water damage and inspect the premises

We inspect and test to determine the extent of damage and how far the moisture has traveled to ensure proper and complete restoration. In addition, we will check for safety concerns that may be evident.

Move or block furniture

We move furniture, property contents, and block items to help prevent rust or furniture stains on wet carpets.

Call Us Today!

Our local team in Northeast Tucson, Oro Valley, and Marana East is Here to Help ® when your home or business in Redington has water damage. Call us today at 520-760-9352.

Franchises are independently owned and operated.

How Quickly Does Water Damage Homes in Catalina Foothills?

9/6/2022 (Permalink)

We restore water damage 24-hours a day in Pima County.

When you discover water damage in your Catalina Foothills home, fast action is required to mitigate the damage and prevent further damage. Our Northeast Tucson and Oro Valley/Marana East teams use powerful, industrial-grade water extraction and drying equipment to quickly pull water from the area.

Water Damage Timeline

Within Minutes

• Water quickly spreads throughout your property, saturating everything in its path
• Water is absorbed into walls, floors, upholstery, and belongings
• Furniture finishes may bleed, causing permanent staining on carpets
• Photographs, books, and other paper goods start to swell and warp

Hours 1 - 24

• Drywall begins to swell and break down
• Metal surfaces begin to tarnish
• Furniture begins to swell and crack
• Dyes and inks from cloth and paper goods spread and stain
• A musty odor appears

48 Hours to 1 Week

• Mold and mildew may grow and spread
• Doors, windows, and studs swell and warp
• Metal begins to rust and corrode
• Furniture warps and shows signs of mold
• Paint begins to blister
• Wood flooring swells and warps
• Serious biohazard contamination is possible

Call Us!

When your Catalina Foothills home or commercial business has water damage, our team in Northeast Tucson, Oro Valley, and Marana East is Here to Help. ® Call us today at 520-760-9352.

Franchises are independently owned and operated.

How Can I Tell if My Swimming Pool is Leaking in Oro Valley?

8/23/2022 (Permalink)

We restore water damage 24-hours a day in Pima County.

Our Northeast Tucson and Oro Valley/Marana East teams restore water damage in Oro Valley throughout the year. If your swimming pool leaks, it can weaken your pool and home’s foundation and waste thousands of gallons of water each month. The Environmental Protection Agency recommends following these steps to determine if your pool is leaking:

• Grab a clear container and a marker
• During the test period, turn off the pool auto-fill, do not manually add water to the pool, and avoid splashing water out of the pool
• Put the container on the pool steps and mark the water level on the outside of the container
• Now, fill the container with pool water up to the mark you just made so the levels match
• Mark the water level inside the container
• Now, wait and give evaporation time to work, usually two to three days. You’ll have to perform the test again if it rains or is windy.
• Place the container on the pool steps. If the water in the pool is lower than the water in the container, you have a leak
• If both the pool level and the container water levels are the same, you do not have a leak

Call Us Today!

When your Oro Valley home or commercial business has a water damage emergency, our local team in Northeast Tucson, Oro Valley, and Marana East is Here to Help. ® Call us today at 520-760-9352.

Franchises are independently owned and operated.

Toilet Trouble in Northeast Tucson Home?

7/21/2022 (Permalink)

We restore sewer backups 24-hours a day in Pima County.

Our Northeast Tucson and Oro Valley/Marana East teams are certified to mitigate and remediate dangerous black water contamination scenes. Sewer water is grossly unsanitary and can cause serious health problems. Our technicians use specialized cleaning equipment, personal protective gear, disinfecting, and cleaning agents to restore dangerous sewer system backups.  

Category 3: Black Water

This water is grossly unsanitary and could cause severe illness or death if ingested, and any contact should be avoided. Sources for category three water could include flooding from rivers or streams, water from beyond the toilet trap, water from the toilet bowl with feces, or standing water that has begun to support microbial growth.

• It may contain untreated sewage, harsh chemicals, and microbes
• Water from flooding rivers or sewer backup

Category 2: Gray Water                                                                                                               

• It may contain bacteria and viruses
• It can quickly degrade into category three if left untreated

Category 1: Clean Water

This is water from a clean source, such as a broken clean water supply line or faucet.

• Water from a clean source like a broken water line
• If left untreated, it can degrade into category two or three

Call Us Today!

When your Tucson home or commercial business has a sewer backup issue or another form of water damage, our local team in Northeast Tucson, Oro Valley, and Marana East is Here to Help. ® Call us today at 520-760-9352.

Franchises are independently owned and operated.

Water Leak in Backyard Sprinkler System Causing Foundation Damage to Home in Oro Valley?

7/12/2022 (Permalink)

We are trusted leaders in water damage restoration in Pima County.

A leaking in-ground sprinkler system can water thousands of gallons of water and weaken your Oro Valley home’s foundation. Our Northeast Tucson and Oro Valley/Marana East offers these tips for determining if your in-ground sprinkler system leaks:

• Find your main sprinkler system valve and shut it off
• Once you shut off the sprinkler system valve, look at the low flow indicator on your water meter. If it keeps moving, the water leak is inside your home.
• If the low flow indicator stops moving, the leak is in your main sprinkler system pipe
• To check for visible irrigation system leaks, turn off your sprinkler system valve and wait at least two minutes. This allows the main sprinkler system pipe to refill with water.
• Go to your controller and turn on the zone. Go to the zone you turned on and listen for water running.
• Do you see water bubbling up from the ground? Are there any wet spots or pooling of water?
• Look for broken sprinkler heads in the zone. If water is not hitting the target area or flowing out of the sprinkler heads, you will need to replace the sprinkler heads.
• Repeat this process for each zone in your irrigation system
• Call a certified irrigation contractor if you can’t fix the problem by replacing the sprinkler heads

Call Us Today!

When your OroValley home or business has water damage, our local team in Northeast Tucson, Oro Valley, and Marana East is Here to Help. ® Call us today at 520-760-9352.

Franchises are independently owned and operated. 

Tell-Tale Signs of Water Damage in Redington?

5/4/2022 (Permalink)

We restore water damage 24-hours a day in Pima County.

Redington residents need to know.

Our team in Northeast Tucson and Oro Valley/Marana East is trained and certified by the Institute of Inspection Cleaning and Restoration Certification (IICRC) to restore water damage quickly and efficiently. Most people don’t notice the initial signs of a water damage issue until it becomes a big problem. Here are some of the symptoms of water damage to look or listen for:

• Dark or wet spots on the walls or ceiling
• Wet areas or water pooling on the floor
• Flaking, cracking, or bubbling paint or drywall
• Hearing the sound of running water that you can’t place
• Hearing the sound of dripping water that you can’t locate
• Visible dripping water you can see but dripping where it should not be
• Significant increase in your water bill for no known reason
• Strong, damp, musky odors
• Visible mold growing 

Call Us Today!

Water damage can happen for many reasons, and when it does, fast action is necessary to prevent secondary damage. When your Redington home or business needs water damage restoration services, our local team in Northeast Tucson, Oro Valley, and Marana East is Here to Help ® We’ll restore your water damage, “Like it never even happened.” Please call us today at 520-760-9352.

Franchises are independently owned and operated.

Pool Leak Causing Water Damage in Catalina Foothills Home?

4/5/2022 (Permalink)

We respond to water damage emergencies 24-hours a day in Pima County.

Our local team in Northeast Tucson and Oro Valley/Marana East has been helping the residents in Catalina Foothills restore water damage for years. Slow leaks in pools may damage your home’s foundation. Here are some ways you can tell if your pool has a nonvisible leak from the Salt River Project:

• Grab a clear container and a marker
• During the test period, turn off the pool auto-fill, do not manually add water to the pool, and avoid splashing water out of the pool
• Put the container on the pool steps and mark the water level on the outside of the container
• Now, fill the container with pool water up to the mark you just made, so the levels match
• Mark the water level inside the container
• Now, wait and give evaporation time to work, usually two to three days. If it rains or it’s windy you’ll have to perform the test again.
• Place the container on the pool steps. If the water in the pool is lower than the water in the container, you have a leak
• If both the pool level and the container water levels are the same, you do not have a leak

Call Us Today!

When your Catalina Hills home or commercial business has water damage, our local team of professionals in Northeast Tucson and Oro Valley/Marana East is Here to Help ® Please call us today at 520-760-9352.

Franchises are independently owned and operated.

Water-Damaged Belongings in Tucson?

3/29/2022 (Permalink)

We pretest every item before cleaning water-damaged items in Pima County.

We treat your belongings with the care and attention they deserve!

Our local team in Northeast Tucson and Oro Valley/Marana East has been restoring water-damaged contents and belongings for many years in the Tucson area. When water damages your home, all of the items compromised by exposure to the water will have to be cleaned and restored. We work to restore versus replace your property. We pretest every item to ensure we are using the most effective cleaning method and may use one or a combination of the following:

• Dry Cleaning - used for cleaning light residues or to pre-clean prior to wet cleaning
• Wet Cleaning - an effective cleaning method for removing moderate to heavy residues
• Spray and Wipe - effective for items that can’t withstand wet cleaning
• Foam Cleaning - used for upholstery fabrics that might shrink or bleed if wet cleaned
• Abrasive Cleaning - involves agitation of the surface being cleaned 
• Immersion Cleaning - contents are dipped into a bath of the cleaning product 

Call Us!

When you need water damage restoration services for your Tucson home or commercial business, our local team of professionals in Northeast Tucson and Oro Valley/Marana East is Here to Help ® Please call us today at 520-760-9352.

Franchises are independently owned and operated.

Supply Line Failure in Tucson Home?

2/1/2022 (Permalink)

We restore water damage 24-hours a day in Pima County.

SERVPRO® of Northeast Tucson and SERVPRO® of Oro Valley/Marana East’s technicians have the training, experience, and equipment to restore water damage emergencies quickly and efficiently. Routine inspection of your washing machine supply lines may prevent severe water damage. The Insurance Institute for Business and Home Safety offers these helpful tips for maintaining your washing machine supply lines:

• Look for signs the supply hose may be ready to fail—blisters in the hose, worn tubing, stress cracks, or a loose connection
• Replace the supply hose with a reinforced steel braided hose if it shows any sign of wear
• Tighten the connection if it feels loose. The most common site of failure is near the connection where the hose bends.
• Replace supply hoses every five years, even if there is no obvious deterioration or wear. Some signs of deterioration may occur from the inside out and may not be visible until it is too late. When replacing washing machine supply hoses, always choose a reinforced steel braided hose over the traditional un-reinforced rubber hose. These hoses will last longer and are far less likely to result in a catastrophic water loss.

Call Us!

Tucson residents and commercial businesses trust the professionals at SERVPRO® of Northeast Tucson and SERVPRO® of Oro Valley/Marana East to restore water damage, “Like it never even happened.” Call us today at 520-760-9352.

Franchises are independently owned and operated.