Basement flooding is one of every homeowner’s biggest nightmares. One of the leading problems occurs when a drain line backs up and leads to a sewage overflow through your drains and toilets. Dealing with a sewer backup in your basement requires taking proper safety precautions to protect yourself and minimize health risks.

Stay Safe When You Have a Sewage Backup By Following These Tips

1. Evacuate the area: If you encounter a sewer backup in your basement, evacuate the affected area immediately. Sewage contains harmful bacteria, viruses, and other pathogens that can pose serious health risks. Restrict access to the contaminated area and ensure that children and pets are kept away to avoid exposure.
2. Turn off electrical power: Prioritize safety by turning off the electrical power to the affected area. Water and electricity create a dangerous combination, so it is crucial to minimize the risk of electrical shocks. If you are uncertain about how to safely turn off the power, contact a qualified electrician for assistance.
3. Wear protective gear: Before attempting any cleanup, make sure to wear appropriate protective gear. This should include waterproof gloves, rubber boots, and safety goggles. Additionally, use a mask or respirator to avoid inhaling any harmful airborne contaminants.
4. Seek professional assistance: Sewer backups pose significant health risks and require professional expertise for safe and thorough cleanup. Contact a reputable sewage cleanup and restoration company to handle the situation. They have the necessary equipment, expertise, and protective gear to effectively remove the sewage, disinfect the area, and restore your basement to a safe condition.

Remember, the health and safety of yourself and your family should always be the top priority when dealing with a sewer backup. Taking the proper precautions and seeking professional assistance (MichiganDisasterPros)  will help minimize health risks and ensure a thorough and safe cleanup process.

Are You Looking for Expert Mold Remediation Services?

Has severe weather caused unfortunate water damage to your home or business? Don’t worry! With professional help, you can restore your home or business back to its original state. Mold comes from water damage that can happen due to heavy rain, broken pipes, an appliance malfunction, or even power failure.

What is Mold, & how is it Removed?

Mold removal is an extensive and special process that requires an expert’s attention. Mold growth results from improper drying following water intrusion, and if your home or business is suffering from mold growth, it’s important you assess the situation immediately.

If mold is present, it requires a professional to remove it; it cannot be done on your own. In most cases, if mold is visually present, then sampling is unnecessary. In other cases where mold is not as present, mold remediation experts will sample the infected area and provide you with an extensive removal solution.

Mold is a serious issue and should not be prolonged; it’s extremely important you maintain a healthy environment; so contacting an expert is a must. An expert will be ready to assess your property’s damage and find a solution to ensure your home or business is a healthy and mold-free environment.

What is involved in Mold Restoration?

Mold remediation and restoration involves mold cleanup and removal by specialists to address the damage and health risks associated with the mold. If an area or your home or business has been infested with mold, an expert must remove it and reconstruct the damage area. Expert mold remediation and restoration includes:

• Initial assessment
• Containment
• Filtration
• Removal
• Drying
• Restoration

Depending on the level of mold damage, restoration services can include minor repairs or major ones, such as replacing drywall, installing new carpet, or new painting. Sometimes if the situation is extremely severe, it will include the reconstruction of various areas or rooms in a home or business.

Check out some Mold Prevention Tips & Tricks!

• Make sure to seal the cracks between driveway and house, and be sure the slope is away from the structure
• Clean your air conditioning drip pans regularly and ensure the drain lines are clear and flowing properly
• Set your indoor humidity to low; if you don’t have a humidifier, you can purchase a small inexpensive one at your local hardware store
• If you see condensation or moisture collecting on windows, walls, or pipes, then dry the surface immediately in order to reduce the amount of humidity in your room or home

An arctic cold front is being forecast to bring wind, snow and bitterly cold air to the Midwest late this week. The cold air will affect the Northern Plains and Upper Midwest Thursday but by the time Valentine’s Day rolls around Saturday, people living in the eastern half of the US will be affected by the bitterly cold weather as well.

Wednesday’s highs in much of North Dakota and northern Minnesota reached only the single digits during the afternoon hours with wind chills making it feel as though it was -20. The National Weather Service has already issued wind chill advisories for more than half of the country’s northern-most states. These advisories are likely to spread for the remainder of the week and into the weekend as the bitterly cold air pushes its way into the Midwest, parts of the South and the Northeast.

By Sunday, high temperatures won’t rise above freezing in the Midwest, Plains, Northeast and further south as far as northern Mississippi, northern Alabama and mid-Georgia. The wind chills will make it even colder which means people need to really bundle up when heading outside. The National Weather Service said that this round of cold weather will likely be the coldest of the winter thus far in the Midwest as temperatures will only be in the single digits and teens in major cities like Minneapolis-St. Paul, Chicago and Detroit. The first arctic plunge will make its way into the Midwest late Thursday and with strong winds being forecast, spending anytime at all outdoors can be life-threatening.

By Sunday, a second wave of cold air will move across the eastern part of the country to bring what may be the coldest weather to hit New York City in over 20 years. Daily record lows will be threatened both Sunday and Monday mornings in parts of the Northeast, Southeast and Great Lakes so says the National Weather Service. People all across the country who are living in the path of the cold approaching air are being reminded to wear extra clothing when going outdoor and to remember to keep their pets inside.

This cold weather is also a good time to remind homeowners to check their furnaces to make sure they’re in good working order. Additionally, it’s advisable to take measures to ensure that water pipes don’t freeze up during the cold spell. Exposed water pipes can be wrapped in insulation material to protect them from freezing and water can be allowed to drip from faucets to avoid pipe freeze-ups. Those homeowners who plan on being away during the cold weather should have friends or neighbors check on their homes periodically to ensure no pipes freeze, break and cause indoor flooding.

Metro Detroit recovered quickly from the record shattering amount of rain that fell in just 3 hours Monday evening during the start of rush hour traffic when between 5 and 6 inches of rain fell, flooding Detroit and area suburbs. There were fears that when the flood water receded that immense damage would be found on area roads following the flood, thankfully none was found.

By Wednesday evening all freeways were fully operational again, once again showing how resilient Detroit is. There had been fears that several freeways would remain closed as long as Friday, but the Governor stepped up as well as the Michigan Division of Transportation in clearing away debris, mud and pumping out water in the effected areas. According to Michigan Division of Transportation spokeswoman Diane Cross “We’ve been pretty fortunate, simply because the potential for damage was very higher,” Diane Cross also stated that “We’re really lucky to say we have not discovered those difficulties on any of our freeways.” She also stated that the delay came from the failure of local pumping stations, which are located along major thruways throughout the entire state. It is suspected at the present time that the failure of many of these pumping stations may have been due to copper thefts from the poorly secured and poorly lit pumping station areas. Other pump stations while functioning simply pumped the water to locations that the water would simply travel right back to the effected freeways, while other pump stations generators simply gave out or could not handle the sheer volume of water, especially in areas that received the full 6 inches of rain. Had it not been for the failures at some pumping stations, many of the flooded freeways would have been fully operation by Tuesday.

While the shape of the area roads improved greatly, thousands of home owners are facing a flooding problem of a different type, that of flooded basements. Some homeowners have 6 feet of water in there basements. Many home owners are still without power, so sump pumps and the like are of no help in reliving the flooded out home owners. As of tuesday, 17,000 customers were without power and no estimate of when their power would be restored. Local water damage and flood water clean up specialists are out in full force, providing there essential services to beleaguered property owners in the area. Thanks to portable generators, portable pumps and truck mounted water extraction equipment some home owners are finally getting the water out of their homes. City leaders are trying to come with ways to prevent another storm of a different nature from striking residents, an impending financial storm that could effect the city already struggling with bankruptcy. Local governments are asking Gov. Rick Snyder to declare a state of emergency so that full federal and state funds can be allocated freely towards helping the rain stricken communities recovery efforts. According to Sara Wurfel, Gov Snyder’s spokeswoman, the Governor’s office will not declare a state of emergency until they get a better scope of the damage effecting Metro Detroit and the surrounding suburbs. if a state of a emergency finally does get declared, President Obama could issue a major disaster declaration and provide direct federal assistance for repairing infrastructure, pumping stations and assistance to homeowners with damaged properties from the storm.

Here at Extreme Michigan Flood Cleanup, our technicians work hard to quickly assess the situation at hand, come up with a plan of action, and then implement that plan. As seen in the video, we use a wide array of innovative equipment. This includes the TES drying system, Injectidry system, high power air movers, and also desiccant dehumidifiers.

We pride ourselves on using the industry’s latest techniques and equipment to promptly restore your home, or business, back to its former state PRONTO! As you can see, no job is too small or too extensive for us to handle. We have experience working exclusively with commercial, residential, and industrial properties alike. Whether it is a large commercial business that has completely flooded out or a small home that sustained a basement flood, we are fully equipped with the necessary manpower and equipment to get the job done in a timely and safe manner. All of our technicians have an IICRC certification for water mitigation, carpet cleaning, and mold remediation.

Call us today at 586-372-9290 on the East side, or 248-679-1188 on the West side

Did you know that just one inch of water within a 2.000 sq ft home can cause almost $21,000 in damages? Floodwater can make its way into furniture, lighting, electronics, flooring, and even your irreplaceable family valuables.
If you multiply one home’s damage by the whole communities, it’s easy to understand why floods are so devastating, and why flood insurance for your home is so important. The NFIP (National Flood Insurance Program) is the primary source of flood insurance for home owners and home renters. Recently, the congress agreed to extend the program for five more years, which is kept up by FEMA (Federal Emergency Management Agency). Flood insurance is so important because flooding is the most common, and costly, disaster in the U.S

The first way to protect yourself from a flooded home is to buy flood insurance. It’s affordable compared to the cost of the repairs after a flood has taken place on your property. Here are some common questions pertaining to flood insurance:

First, is flood insurance required?

Unless you don’t have any loans or live in a apartment or condo on an upstairs floor, you should expect that you should have to buy flood coverage. Many lenders will actually require it if you live in an area that is considered high risk for flooding, and if your mortgage is federally backed. FEMA stated that flooding disasters affects all states, and actually everyone is at risk because even very small streams and creeks have the potential to flood. Your insurance agent or lender will know whether or not your home is located in a high risk zone.

Where do you get flood insurance?

Private insurers are allowed to write, and administer, policies for the NFIP due to FEMA. Also, your homeowners or renters insurance agent should also be able to write flood coverage for you as well. Coverage is available in about 20,000 participating communities, and discounts of up to 45 percent are available in communities where the local officials enforce certain requirements that can reduce flood damage altogether. Now, if your community isn’t a part of the national program, you will be able to get flood insurance through a private carrier.

How much will this cost me?

Every home is different, and your policy premium is determined by the design of your home, the age, the location, the contents, and the amount of coverage you decide to buy. In most cases, a homeowner will pay an average of $400 a year for $100,000 worth of flood insurance which is very reasonable.

But the programs recent reauthorization by Congress allows for stiffer price increases of up to 20 percent per year from the previous of 10 percent. Fortunately, your agent will be able to give you an exact cost. If you want to get a general idea, you can plug in your address into the flood risk profile on the NFIP website.

A flooded home or basement is a devastating experience for any home or business owner to undergo. Luckily, a sump pump installation offers protection against floods and water damage, mold growth, and structural damages that may occur after the flood. This will save the homeowner a lot of money in the long run while protecting against a home flood.

Having a sump pump on your property is important because heavy rain or a water main break can result in a flooded basement or first floor flood if there is not a working sump pump available to disperse the water.
How a sump pump works: Water from the outside perimeter of the home is drained away by pipes that empty into the sump pumps pit. When the water level within the pit reaches the level of the float, the pumps switch is activated and the pump disperses the water through a pipe where it is then sent into the storm drain. A sump pump can also remove the water from a burst pipe in the home. However, a clog in the drainage pipe, a malfunctioning float, or a broken switch can lead to a water accumulation in the basement or ground flood of your home. Annual maintenance should be done on sump pumps to assure that it does its job in the event of an emergency and that everything is working how it should be. Also, it is a good idea to install a second backup pump that is battery operated.

Consequences of Little to No Sump Pump Care

Many homeowners don’t understand that a flooded home costs thousands of dollars to fix, many many weeks to restore, and it may cause the inhabitants of your home to experience health problems due to mold growth. Mold can begin growing easily as it only needs a source of moisture and a porous surface to begin its growth. Also, homeowners could have to pay the initial costs for the restoration process if they do not have flood insurance or flooded basement insurance. They will also have to pay for lost items, the replacement of damaged mechanical systems, and sometimes they may have to pay higher homeowners insurance rates if a claim is filed.

A sump pump is a simple piece of equipment that can prevent all of these issues and more, so as long as the pump is properly maintained, then you won’t have to worry about these issues occurring. If you have a home or basement that is prone to flooding or that experiences storms often, it is in your best interest to install one on your property today!

If you have recently undergone the misfortune of finding your basement flooded, then you know just how devastating it can be to find your personal items, flooring, and other home items under water. This situation should always be taken on with caution and can be dangerous. No matter how much water is present in your basement, there is still danger lurking. If the water is not removed quickly and effectively it will bring about mold issues, as the ongoing moisture and porous surfaces in a basement are perfect hosts for mold spores to latch on to. The first thing to do after finding your basement has flooded is making sure that you call your insurance company to figure out your coverage. Most homeowner insurance policies do not cover flooded basements, and that is why it is important to look into flood insurance if you live in a flood prone area.

A flooded basement can be caused by plenty of different instances such as flash flooding, broken pipes, or even a sewer backup. In this case, it is best to leave the job to trained professionals. There are three categories of flood damage, and a professional can spot these damages easily, and then set up a specialized plan for your basement that follows safety protocol and guidelines. An important thing to remember is that you should NEVER walk through a flooded basement while the electricity is still connected. Even if the amount of water is miniscule, it may still be electrically charged and that causes a risk for electrocution.  Even though electrical pumps and wet-vacuums seem like the “go-to” equipment, it causes a large risk of electrical shock. Leaving the job to the professionals in this type of situation is in your best interest unless you have the proper tools and experience with water mitigation.

From there, you should call your electric company to have the service disconnected. Once the electricity is off, then it is safe to begin cleaning your basement of water and any debris. When the water mitigation and dry-out service is finished by a licensed professional you can call your electric company to have the power re-connected. It is important to have a licensed electrician assess your basement and electrical lines before you call the utilities to reconnect the power, as they can spot any damages that you may not have been able to.

It is also a smart idea to have your natural gas turned off if your basement has flooded. Water heaters, furnaces, and heaters may have pilot lights that can be exposed to the water and put out in the midst of the flood. If the pilot lights are put out then this may cause natural gas to escape into your home, generating the risk of an explosion. Once the water has been mitigated and your property has been thoroughly dried out you should call a professional to inspect your water heater and furnace to make sure it didn’t sustain any damages during the flood. If all is good after the inspection, then you can call your local public works to turn your supply back on.

A flooded basement is a serious matter and should be taken as such. If you have black water (Category III) present on your property then it is vital to call in professionals, as this water contains contaminants that can be hazardous to your health if inhaled. Each flood comes with its own set of mitigation challenges, and it is best left to the professionals who have experience removing the water and drying out the basement effectively.