Plumbing emergencies can strike any day at any time, and when they do, you must act very quickly to prevent extensive and costly damage. Knowing the warning signs can help prepare you so you can avoid major issues like water damage, flooding and mold growth. 

Here are some of the top signs that you need to immediately call First In Restoration (470.748.0225) for our 24/7 on-call licensed emergency plumber.

1. Burst Pipes

A burst pipe can cause massive water damage in a matter of minutes. Whether it’s due to freezing temperatures, corrosion of an old pipe, or high water pressure, a ruptured pipe requires immediate professional attention. First In Restoration will stop the flooding in your home, repair the issue and restore your water.

2. No Water Supply

If you turn on your faucet and nothing comes out, then it could be due to a major plumbing issue, such as a broken water main, a hidden leak or an issue with your water supplier. First In Restoration’s licensed emergency plumber can quickly diagnose the issue and resolve the problem to return water to your home or business.

3. Overflowing Toilet

Most of us have had an embarrassing episode with an overflowing toilet. However, toilet overflow is more than a minor inconvenience—it can quickly lead to severe water damage and potential health hazards due to sewage exposure in Category 3 water. Immediately shut the water off on your toilet and start plunging. If plunging doesn’t fix the issue, and the water keeps pouring out, it’s time to call First In Restoration’s. We will send our emergency plumber and help prevent further damage to your home.

4. Sewage Backup

Don’t wait until sewage from your main drain starts backing in to your kitchen sink or laundry drain – things will get ugly fast from there. Watch out for these lead up signs before disaster strikes: If you notice a foul smell coming from your drains or if your sinks are slow to drain then it’s time to call a plumber for an inspection. If left and ignored then visible sewage including feces may back in to your sinks or bathtubs which is a clear signs of a sewage backup. This can pose serious health risks and needs immediate professional intervention.

5. Water Heater Failure

If your water heater stops working, or if you notice it’s leaking, or making strange noises, then you could be dealing with a major malfunction. Whether it’s a broken thermostat, sediment buildup, or a potential gas leak, our emergency plumber can diagnose the issue and fix your problem quickly. Don’t wait for major damage to set in to call.

6. Flooding or Major Leaks

Stepped into a puddle in the kitchen? Not sure if it’s a stray ice cube or something serious? Any unexpected pooling of water in your home—whether from an old pipe, faulty appliance, or leaky roof—should be addressed immediately. Standing water can cause structural damage and mold growth if not dealt with in a timely manner. Avoid serious water damage and call First In Restoration now: 470.748.0225.

7. Frozen Pipes

During the winter months if temperatures drop below freezing, especially for multiple days you may experience frozen pipes which can lead to pipe bursts and significant damage. If you notice a lack of (or no) water flow, visible frost and icicles on pipes, or bulging pipes, call us so we can send our emergency plumber before your pipes burst. If you hear a loud rushing sound or see water gushing from the inside or outside of your home or business, you need to call First In Restoration immediately for water extraction and mitigation cleanup.

8. Unusual Water Pressure Drops

If you are washing your hands or taking a shower and notice an abrupt and severe drop in water pressure then you should be alarmed, as this can indicate a serious leak, a blocked pipe, or even a serious issue with your water main. First In Restoration’s emergency plumber can pinpoint the cause of your water issue and restore your water pressure.

9. Gurgling Sounds from Drains

Drains and toilets shouldn’t make gurgling noises, if yours do then it may indicate a blockage or a problem with your sewer line. Do not ignore these signs because they can lead to sewage backups and costly repairs.

10. Persistent or Uncontrollable Leaks

A small leak may not seem like a big deal, or time sensitive, but if the leak worsens or can’t be controlled with temporary fixes, it can lead to disastrous and extensive water damage. First In Restoration’s emergency plumber can address the issue before it escalates. No matter the size of the leak, we can help.

Call First In Restoration for Emergency Plumbing Services

If you’re experiencing any of these signs, don’t wait! Contact First In Restoration for fast, reliable emergency licensed plumbing services in Georgia, specializing service in Gwinnett County, Hall County, Barrow County and Walton County. Our experienced team is available 24/7 to handle any plumbing crisis and prevent further damage to your home.

Don’t let a minor issue turn into a major disaster—call us today! 470.748.0225, www.firstinrestoration.com

During winter storms, ice does not just create slick roads. It can also build up on trees and that weight can become a serious threat to your home. When ice coats tree branches, it adds hundreds of extra pounds. Branches can snap or entire trees can come down. If a tree or large limb hits your roof, siding, or windows, it can open your home to the elements in seconds. Once water enters through storm related damage, the situation can escalate quickly.

Why this type of water damage is more severe

Water that enters a home after a tree impact or roof damage is always classified as Category 3 water damage. This means the water has traveled through exterior materials like roofing insulation and structural components before entering the home.

Because of that, cleanup is more extensive and time sensitive. The longer water sits, the more damage it can cause to ceilings walls floors and personal belongings.

What to do if a tree damages your home

If a tree or limb hits your house during a winter storm, act quickly.

If it is safe to do so, avoid the affected area and shut off power or water if needed. Covering the damaged area is critical to prevent additional water from entering.

First In Restoration provides emergency tarping services and branch removal to help protect your home after storm damage. We respond quickly to secure exposed areas and minimize further damage.

Help is available around the clock

Winter storms can be unpredictable. If ice related tree damage leads to water intrusion or flooding, First In Restoration is available 24/7 for emergency response.

Call First In Restoration at 470 748 0225.

Plumbing backups never happen at a good time. One minute everything seems normal. The next minute you’re dealing with slow drains, gurgling toilets, or water coming up where it shouldn’t. One of the most common causes of sudden plumbing emergencies is soft tissue block. Soft tissue block sounds minor, but it can turn into a major water damage event fast. Here’s what homeowners need to know and when to call a certified restoration team like First In Restoration.

What Is Soft Tissue Block?

Soft tissue block is a plumbing term for accumulated paper products and hygiene items that get lodged inside the plumbing line. Over time this buildup restricts the flow of water until the pipe can no longer push waste through. Common causes include:

• Excess toilet paper
• “Flushable” wipes
• Paper towels and feminine products
• Grease and cooking oils attaching to debris
• Tree root intrusion catching the soft materials

This type of clog is extremely common in older homes across Georgia.

Why Soft Tissue Block Becomes an Emergency

Most homeowners treat clogs as annoyances, but soft tissue block is different. When the pipe pressure builds behind the blockage, you can end up with overflowing toilets, multiple drains backing up at once, sewage coming through tubs and showers and contaminated water spreading into flooring and walls.

Once water breaches the plumbing line, the situation moves from plumbing issue to water damage emergency. That’s when timing matters.

The Hidden Danger: Category 3 Water

Soft tissue block often leads to Category 3 water contamination, which contains harmful bacteria. This type of water requires professional extraction, sanitation and drying with commercial-grade equipment.

What To Do When You Have a Sudden Backup

If you suspect soft tissue block:

1. Stop using all water immediately
2. Turn off the water supply if the backup is active
3. Do not attempt to clean sewage water yourself
4. Call First In Restoration and we will bring our emergency plumber and our restoration team at the same time

Our plumber clears the blockage and out mitigation team handles the water damage, sanitation and structural drying.

How First In Restoration Responds

We are based in Loganville but serve homeowners and businesses across Walton County and all of northeast Georgia. When you deal with a plumbing-related water loss, our team provides rapid response, Category 3 cleanup, moisture mapping and direct insurance billing.

We extract contaminated water, remove affected materials, sanitize and begin structural drying. We work with all major carriers and document everything for your claim.

How To Prevent Soft Tissue Block

While not every plumbing problem is avoidable, you can reduce the risk by avoiding all “flushable wipes,” not flushing paper towels or feminine products, installing mesh drain screens, having older homes sewer-scoped every few years, and avoiding grease down the drain.

For multi-family properties and commercial buildings, routine plumbing maintenance is essential to prevent large-scale backups.

Call First In Restoration: (470) 748-0225

Soft tissue block may start small, but it can lead to serious water damage fast. If you’re dealing with a backup, overflow, or suspected plumbing blockage call First In Restoration right away. We are available 24-7 to restore your home, protect your health, and get everything back to normal.

Georgia rain can be a serious threat to your property’s foundation, crawlspace air quality. At First In Restoration we know one thing is for sure: prevention is cheaper than repair. Here are some tips so you’re ready for the upcoming Georgia rain to help prevent water damage.

Check Your Gutters Like Your Home Depends on It

Leaves and pine needle debris will block water flow very quickly. When gutters overflow, the water is looking for any place to go. The could end up behind your walls and all the way into your basement. Make gutter cleaning a regular chore (or let the professionals clean them for you), and double-check that the downspouts are pushing water away from your home.

Your Landscaping Might Be The Culprit

Water needs to move away from your home. Mulch too high? Flower beds sloping the wrong way? Maybe your azaleas are too close causing water to pool up. You need to keep rainwater shifted away from your home and away from your foundation. Don’t know where to start? We always recommend calling a landscape company or architect that can help with preventative measures. 

Smelly Basement or Crawlspace? 

If your basement or crawlspace smell musty or feels damp, that means that water is already getting in to your home. Seal any cracks and have your crawlspace encapsulated. You should also consider installing a sump pump which will really help during the next downpour.

Pro Tip: If you see bubbling paint in your home, warping floors, or smell something kind of weird and earthy you may have water damage and hidden mold.

We Respond Fast to Georgia Water Damage

First In Restoration is Georgia’s most trusted name in water damage restoration and mold remediation. We’re IICRC certified, offer 24/7 emergency plumbing and provide full-service restoration including crawlspace encapsulation. We are based in Gwinnett County but serve all of Georgia.

Call First In Restoration: 470-748-0225 or visit www.firstinrestoration.com

Generally you think of mold as being weird spots on drywall or a musty smell in your bathroom. But mold can hide in places out of your sight like inside your home’s HVAC system which silently spreads mold spores throughout your vents.

Mold Loves HVAC Systems

HVAC units are the perfect places for mold families to form. Mold loves dark and moist spaces. Condensation from HVAC coils and HVAC ducts mix together with dust that has buil up creating the perfect coughing cocktail. Once it forms in your HVAC system, it will spread quickly through your home and into the air you and your family breathe.

Mold Health Risks 

Mold spores can cause tons of health problems, especially for folks with allergies, asthma and compromised immune systems. Mold from HVAC systems can cause symptoms such as coughing, sneezing, headaches, fatigue, as well as chronic respiratory problems. Since it came from mold in your HVAC system that means you are breathing it in every day without realizing it.

How Do I Know if My HVAC Has Mold?

• Do you smell something musty or sour when your HVAC system turns on and runs?
• Do you see mold around vents or air returns?
• Have you noticed allergy or asthma symptoms while indoors?
• Do you see a lot of dust or moisture around your unit?

Don’t Try DIY 

Mold in your HVAC system is not a project for someone that’s not a professional — a handyman or spraying bleach won’t cut it. To remediate mold in your HVAC takes a company with specialized training, testing, equipment as well as containment methods to safely clean and restore your infected HVAC system. At First In Restoration, we’re IICRC certified and experienced to tackle mold issues.

Call the Best in Georgia — First In Restoration

If you think you have mold in your HVAC system, do not delay. Call the number one water damage and mold remediation company in Georgia. First In Restoration is IICRC certified, offers 24/7 emergency service and handles everything from cleanup to full reconstruction. We’re based in Loganville but serve all surrounding areas in Georgia. Call now: 470-748-0225, www.firstinrestoration.com

Here are three easy ways to make your home a little greener on Earth Day.

1. Fix Leaks & Dripping Faucets: That annoying dripping faucet is wasting thousands of gallons of water a year, not to mention thousands of dollars (yep, your bill is definitely affected by a dripping faucet). Repair leaky faucets and small leaks early to help prevent long term issues.

2. Install a water monitor: You can prevent major water damage to your home by investing in a Smart Water Monitor (Amazon, y’all!). These devices can detect leaks or even unusual water usage. The monitor will send you an alert directly to your home. It’s a small investment that will give you peace of mind and help prevent major water damage.

3. Clean those gutters: Water around your foundation or water backing up on your roof is a big no-no! You want to keep debris cleaned out of your gutters to protect your home. This also helps with storm water runoff.

Protect Your Home from Water Damage

At First In Restoration, we believe in doing things differently. From fast response times to eco-friendly cleanup First In Restoration will restore your space quickly. Whether it’s water damage, emergency plumbing or mold remediation our IICRC-certified team is ready 24/7, call First In Restoration today: 470-748-0225, www.firstinrestoration.com

Easter Sunday is a holiday that should be about family, delicious food, traditions and making memories, not a surprise waterfall from your ceiling from water damage.

When everyone’s in town and you’re hosting a big family get-together, your home’s plumbing is working extra hard. The strain from additional people using the bathroom or running multiple loads of dishes through out the weekend can stress out your home’s plumbing system. Everything seems fine at first — Then a guest’s toilet overflows. Maybe your dishwasher leaks mid-cycle. Even worse — your hot water heater decides that after all of these years of faithful service, it’s time to give out, resulting in a flooded garage, attic, or basement while you’re just trying to carve the ham and serve some casseroles. .

Why Holiday Water Damage Happens

When your house is full, your plumbing doesn’t get a break. Common holiday mishaps or heavy use include:

• Clogged toilets or drains
• Appliance leaks from old dishwashers or washing machines
• Hidden pipe bursts
• Water heaters throwing in the towel

What to Do If Water Damage Strikes During Easter

1. Stay calm. Shut off the water supply to your house. (Click HERE for a video on how to do this).
2. Protect valuables. Move electronics, heirlooms, and an important items away from the affected area if possible.
3. Document all of the damage. Take photos and video to submit to your insurance company (do this even if you decide not to file a claim).
4. Call First In Restoration immediately. The longer the water sits, the more damage it causes to your home and it’s structure, and mold can begin to spread within 24-48 hours of water exposure.

We’re Available — Even on Easter

At First In Restoration, we know emergencies don’t take holidays off. That’s why we don’t either. First In Restoration’s emergency response team is on call 24/7 for your water damage emergency.

Call 470-748-0225 any time, www.firstinrestoration.com

It’s already frustrating to experience water damage in your home or business. Having a water damage insurance claim denied is your worst nightmare. While water damage restoration is necessary, it can be costly, especially the longer the water has been left to sit.

If you have to come out of pocket for water damage restoration, you may be left wondering how much everything will cost and how you’ll pay the bill? With First In Restoration you still have options, even if your water damage claim was denied.

Why Was Your Water Damage Insurance Claim Denied?

Insurance companies have strict guidelines on what they cover. It’s important to review your policy closely every year when it is up for renewal. Common reasons for insurance claim denial may include:

• Gradual Damage – If you had a leak for a long time (even if you didn’t realize it) or if you didn’t properly maintain your home and it caused a long-term leak, then this is considered homeowner negligence and will not be covered.
• Flood vs. Water Damage Confusion – If your home floods from heavy rains, storms or overflowing rivers and creeks you will need separate flood insurance for that. Typically standard insurance will not cover it.
• Late Reporting – Failing to report damage immediately to your insurance company make get your claim denied. Your insurance company may take the stance that the delay in calling to make the claim worsened the damage of your home (which will cost them more money).
• Incorrect or Insufficient Coverage – There is more than one type of water damage and your insurance policy may have exclusions you weren’t aware of. It’s best to talk to local insurance agent to make sure you’re covered.

What to Do If Your Water Damage Claim Is Denied

1. Review Your Policy 

Read every detail in your insurance policy regarding water damage coverage and the reasons for denial. 

2. Request a Written Explanation

If your claim was denied over the phone by the adjuster, consider requesting a formal written explanation by the insurance company. This will show you the exact reason for claim denial and you can determine whether you should challenge the decision.

3. Gather Evidence & Documentation

Your insurance company may have denied the claim due to lack of sufficient proof. You can help strengthen your case with:

• Photos and videos of the damage
• Repair invoices and written professional assessments and estimates
• Reports by plumbers or contractors outlining the issue

4. File an Appeal

Most insurance companies allow you to appeal a denied claim. Submit a written request with the following:

• Give an explanation (in detail) of why you believe the damage should be covered
• Add any additional documents or expert opinions (ie: from your plumber) supporting the claim
• Reference line items of your policy if coverage should apply

5. Consult a Public Adjuster 

A public adjuster has the authority to review your insurance policy as well as your case. They can represent you and negotiate with your insurer on your behalf. 

6. Consider Legal Action

If everything else fails you may have to take matters into your own hands and consider:

• Filing a complaint with the Georgia’s insurance commissioner.
• Hire an attorney that specializes in disputes with insurance claims.

How First In Restoration Can Help

Dealing with water damage AND a denied insurance claim is overwhelming. At First In Restoration, the best water damage restoration company in Georgia, we work directly with homeowners and businesses to assess and restore water damage. Call First In Restoration today at 470-748-0225 or visit www.firstinrestoration.com.

Your yard can either protect your foundation or cause major water damage.

If you have poor drainage, a sloped yard or have plants too close to your foundation it can direct water straight into your crawlspace or basement. Over time these issues can lead to structural issues to your home, mold damage and even a flooded foundation.

On the flip side, strategic landscaping — like grading your yard away from the home, using proper gutter extensions and planting water-absorbing shrubs — can help keep water far from your house to help prevent water damage.

Even your plant choices make a difference. Water-absorbing shrubs and deep-rooted native plants will help soak up excess groundwater, and mulched garden beds can reduce erosion and slow the flow of rainwater across your property.

When done correctly, your landscaping can guide water away from your home and toward safer drainage zones — keeping your foundation dry, your crawlspace clear and your risk of water damage low.

If you’ve experienced water damage in your home from landscape issues you need to call First In Restoration, Georgia’s number one rated water damage restoration company: 470-748-0225, www.firstinrestoration.com

Gutters are your first line of defense when it comes to water damage. For some reason, homeowners kind of put gutter maintenance off when really they should be top of mind. At First In Restoration, we’ve seen firsthand how clogged, damaged, or misaligned gutters can lead to major water damage headaches for homeowners. First In Restoration is Georgia’s #1 water damage restoration company and we want to help you prevent water damage before it even happens. The best way to stay ahead of water damage is with seasonal maintenance.

How Gutters Protect Your Home

Gutters are designed to collect rainwater from your home’s roof, but did you know that they also help with:

• Keeping water from seeping into your foundation and crawlspace
• Soil erosion around the perimeter of your home
• Preventing mold growth on your siding as well as roof edges
• Helps prevent basement flooding

Your Gutters Might Be Failing

Not sure if your gutters are due for some attention? Look for these indicators that water isn’t being properly channeled:

• Water gushing over the gutters during rainstorms
• A pool of water near the home’s foundation
• Gutters pulling away from the house (or if you notice they are sagging)
• If you see cracks, holes or rust
• Water stains on exterior siding or soffits (or if you start to see stains on your interior walls or ceiling)

Gutter Maintenance Tips for Every Homeowner

• Clean your gutters at least twice a year during spring and fall (or more often if you have a lot of trees in your hard)
• Install gutter guards which will reduce the amount of debris that builds up in your gutters.
• Check your gutter downspouts and make sure water is draining away from your home.
• Inspect after storms for clogs or visible damage.
• Trim overhanging trees to minimize leaves, pine straw and twigs that will fall into your gutters.

When to Call a Professional from Water Damage to Gutters

We love a good DIY project so we get it. But, sometimes, DIY just isn’t enough. If you are experiencing small issues it may be time for new gutters, and if water has already made its way into your home, it’s time to call First In Restoration to get it dried in and prevent toxic mold.

Why Choose First In Restoration?

First In Restoration is the top water damage restoration company in Georgia, IICRC certified in water damage cleanup and mold remediation. Our team is available 24/7. Call us today at 470-748-0225 if you have water damage, www.firstinrestoration.com