Everyone ignores their water heater – until it is too late. But if you pay attention, you may be able to pick up on some clues that indicate your water heater may be headed toward trouble.

It’s best to catch a simple problem ahead of time, because when a water heater blows, it can cause plenty of water damage that could cost you a lot of money. That is why it’s best to understand how to spot the potential trouble.

The chances of your water heater exploding are remote. Although it has occurred – and can cause tremendous damage – that isn’t likely to happen.

More often than not, damage incurred from water heaters is due to a leak. If you see brown water come out of your faucets, or if your hot water smells like rotten eggs, this may indicate that the tank inside the water heater is corroded. This sign of weakness in the appliance can make it easier to rupture or leak – even explode.

And if you see any leaks around the water heater that have puddled or accumulated on the floor, it is important to call a plumber to investigate the matter. A trained plumber will be able to diagnose the problem with your water heater and offer a solution. It may be as simple as flushing the sediment from the tank or a loose connection. But it may be time to replace your water heater – and it’s better to get ahead of the problem.

However, if you have had damage due to a leak – or flood – caused by your water heater, it is imperative to call a trained water restoration professional. The technicians at “In First Restoration” can clean up the water damage, dry out your space and make sure it’s ready for the new unit.

If you do have water damage, don’t try to clean it up on your own. Water restoration professionals can restore your home and ensure there’s no chance for dangerous mold to grow in hidden areas. 

If you haven’t walked by your water heater lately, take a minute to give it a quick glance. If you see a problem, call your plumber. If you don’t have a plumber, don’t worry – First In Restoration has a partnership with an emergency plumber who is available 24/7, so call us first and we can help connect you with the right professional.

And if it’s become a big problem, call First In Restoration to clean up the mess from your water heater leak: (678) 483-7284

If the weatherman is predicting heavy rains – or even a tropical storm – in your area, you know there’s a good chance that you’ll be dealing with cleanup issues. But there are steps you can take to mitigate the amount of damage incurred. In fact, with the proper preventative measures, you might avoid it altogether.

So what are some smart steps to take to help prevent water damage in case of an impending storm? Here are a few ideas that could possibly save you some time – and money.

Make sure your gutters and downspouts are clear. By removing the debis (leaves, old Frisbees, pizza boxes for Breaking Bad afficionados) you can make sure the water flows. Then, make sure the downspouts extend away from the house so the water will be dispersed in the appropriate places.
Take a look at the roof and make sure there are no missing shingles. If you see edges that are lifted up, take time to nail them down or repair them. Double-check the flashing around the chimney and the ventilation fans to make sure they’re in good condition and have the appropriate seal.

Make sure the soil is sloped away from the foundation. In extreme cases you might want to consider grabbing some sandbags.

Since you want to prevent the water from sneaking into the house, close and lock everything – a locked door has a tighter seal. If you have older windows, consider using a plastic sheet and painter’s tape to secure them.

Don’t forget the garage. If your driveway slopes down, put sandbags at the entrance. And, just to be sure, get everything off the floor. You could use a rack or an old wooden pallet, the kind that businesses will just throw away.

Don’t forget to have extra buckets and tarps ready – along with plenty of towels. (Keep that wet vac handy, too, just in case you need it.)

Once the storm is over, take a quick inventory of any damage. You’ll want to check the roof for possible leaks and you’ll want to dispose of any wet material as soon as possible – because failure to do so can lead to mold. Start running fans and dehumidifiers as soon as possible to dry things out.

Hopefully you’ll avoid damage from Mother Nature’s latest incident, but if you have storm or water damage, the next step should be to reach out to a trained water mitigation specialist. Make that call first and the trained technician can help examine the damage and help walk you through the process of filing an insurance claim. That could help you get the most possible money from your insurance claim.

If your home or business has storm or water damage, call First In Restoration first. Our trained team can assess the damage, help dry out the affected areas, document the restoration process, and guide you through the next steps.

Call First In Restoration today: (678) 483-7284

Water damage can wreck your life. But there are steps you can take to mitigate the damage and keep your world from spinning completely out of control.

The first thing to do is to act quickly. If you spot a water problem – a broken pipe, a broken line, a busted water heater, an overflowing toilet or sink – speed is essential. Wasted time means additional damage, which could mean a higher cost and longer return to normal.

Here is a checklist to follow you should take if you walk in and discover you’ve got puddles of water in places it’s not supposed to be.

Stop the source of the water. Shut off the valve that leads to the problem area or turn it off at the street. This will only take a minute and will stop the source of the water, giving you time to think clearly and move forward.

If necessary, turn off the electricity. If the water is near an electrical outlet, it makes sense to go to your breaker panel and shut off the power to the area that is affected. If your breaker isn’t marked, go ahead and kill the power to entire house. You don’t want to play around with electricity!

Call your First In Restoration professional. The trained professional can arrive quickly and help you understand how the cleanup and restoration process works. The technician can help keep you safe and guide you through the process of getting your problem solved, including walking alongside you with the insurance company.

Document the damage. Use you smartphone and take photos and videos of the damage. Don’t miss anything. Document everything in the rooms that have been affected, including the furniture, carpet or flooring, walls, ceilings and your personal items. Do this before you start cleaning up. The more documentation you provide, the more you will help your claim with the insurance company.

Contact your insurance provider. You need to report the damage as soon as possible. (Our First In Restoration team can help you with this process and show you how to avoid some of the traps an insurance company may set that could possibly cost you money.) Follow their instructions; they’ll explain any documents they’ll need or how to work through the process of emergency repairs.

Remove standing water and begin the drying process. After documenting the damage (that’s a key point), you’ll want to get rid of all the visible water. You can remove a lot of it by using a wet vac or an old-fashioned mop. Use cloth towels and paper towels to get up the smaller spots.

Remove wet materials that can’t be salvaged. That water-soaked carpet and padding has to go. Ditch that soaked insulation. Remove the damaged drywall or other porous materials that can’t be dried promptly. Cleaning and disinfecting affected surfaces also helps reduce mold and bacteria.

Dry out the area. First In Restoration has larger, powerful fans and heaters that can be used to properly dry out your property. In the meantime, run whatever fans you have, open the windows (if weather permits), and fire up the dehumidifiers. That will help slow the process until First In Restoration can bring in the powerful equipment that will be needed.

Make the cleanup a priority. Time is of the essence because mold can begin growing within 24-28 hours of the disaster. A hasty cleanup will reduce the chance that mold will get a foothold and cause even more damage.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: First In Restoration joins Atlanta Apartment Association

First In Restoration has joined the Atlanta Apartment Association, one of largest organizations of its kind in the United States.

“We have always admired and respected the values for which the Atlanta Apartment Association has stood,” First In Restoration owner David King said. “The organization represents 1.9 million Georgians, and we are proud to be a part of their effort to provide fast, quality response to those in need.”

The Atlanta Apartment Association represents more than 350 companies and manages more than 500,000 apartment homes.

King is U.S. Marine Corps veteran who resides in Loganville, Ga. King’s company, First In Restoration specializes in water damage restoration, fire restoration and mold removal and remediation for multi-family dwellings, commercial buildings and residential properties throughout Georgia, with a focus in Gwinnett County and metro Atlanta.

First In Restoration is guided by the principle by which many of us were raised: Do unto others as you would have them do unto you.

This lesson really hit home when an elderly friend had a dishonest company take advantage of their family during an emergency. David saw the mistreatment and realized people in distress need a trustworthy friend to walk alongside them through the process.

“Our model of high quality and fast response matches the needs of Atlanta’s apartment owners. I see First In Restoration as a perfect partner for the Atlanta Apartment Association.”

First In Restoration is an IICRC certified firm and holds certification in water, fire, odor and mold removal and is a member of Restoration Industry Association.

###

Contact information:

David King, First In Restoration, www.firstinrestoration.com

(678) 483-7284, info@firstinrestoration.com

Download a printable copy here: Press Release

Once a winter storm passes, many homeowners are left wondering what to check and what to do next. Even if everything looks fine at first glance, storm related damage is not always obvious right away. This is the time to slow down, look carefully, and address small issues before they turn into bigger ones.

Start with a quick safety check

Before walking through your home, make sure it is safe. Watch for standing water, sagging ceilings, fallen branches, or damaged areas. If the storm caused a power outage, be cautious around outlets and appliances once power is restored. If anything feels unsafe, trust that instinct and avoid the area.

Check for water where it should not be

After a winter storm, water damage often shows up as melting ice and frozen pipes begin to thaw. Look for water around baseboards, ceilings, walls, and under sinks. Pay attention to damp smells, stains, bubbling paint, or warped flooring. These can be early signs of water intrusion.

Inspect pipes and plumbing

Even if pipes did not burst during the storm, cracks can form while they are frozen. Once temperatures rise, leaks may begin slowly. Run water carefully and listen for unusual sounds. Low water pressure or dripping where there was none before can indicate a problem.

Look outside for winter storm damage

Ice and wind can cause tree limbs to break and impact roofs, siding, or windows. Even small openings can allow water to enter your home.

If you see missing shingles, dents, or damaged areas, protecting the opening quickly can help prevent additional damage.

When to call for help

If you notice water damage, leaks, or storm related impacts, it is best to act sooner rather than later. Winter storm water spreads fast and can become more severe the longer it sits.

First In Restoration responds to post storm water damage, frozen and burst pipes, and storm related impacts. We also provide emergency tarping and branch removal to help protect your home if damage is found.

If you are unsure what to do after a winter storm or you notice water where it should not be, call First In Restoration at 470.748.0225. We are available 24/7 and here to help.

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.

Short answer yes. Losing power during freezing temperatures can put your home at real risk for frozen and busted pipes. When the power goes out, your heat usually goes with it. That means the temperature inside your home can drop fast, especially overnight. Pipes that normally stay warm suddenly are not protected anymore. This is most common in garages, crawlspaces, attics, and exterior walls.

When water freezes inside a pipe, it expands. That pressure can cause the pipe to crack or burst. The tricky part is that many pipes break while they are still frozen. You might not see a problem until the power comes back on and the ice melts. That is often when water damage shows up.

What you should do if the power goes out during a freeze

If you can safely do it, shut off your main water supply. Open a few faucets to relieve pressure in the lines and open cabinet doors under sinks to let warmer air circulate. Once power is restored, walk through your home and check for leaks, water stains, or damp areas.

Signs you may have a frozen or busted pipes

No water or very low water pressure

Frost on exposed pipes

Water stains or pooling water

Sounds of running water when nothing is on

If you lose power and notice water damage or busted pipes, call First In Restoration right away at 470.748.0225. We are available 24 7 for emergency response.

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