Water Damage Prevention Inside and Out | SERVPRO of Morro Bay/King City

6/7/2024 (Permalink)

Dealing with home water damage can feel overwhelming. That's why SERVPRO of Morro Bay/King City is quick to restore your space. Call now!

Can you count the number of ways you use water in a single day? Washing the dishes, washing clothes, washing the dog or the kids—the list could go on and on. Water plays a crucial role in making our days run just a little more smoothly.

Just as there are countless ways in which we utilize water in a day, there are also countless ways in which water can leave our home damaged. Water is particularly good at playing hide and seek, and when you don’t know where to look for it, you can end up finding not just water itself, but also mold, structural damage and lingering odors. 

By taking a whole-home approach, you can protect your home from multiple different kinds of water damage. It can actually be pretty simple, too—some regular maintenance outside and inside your home will help keep you safe and dry. 

Start Outside

Mother Nature can deal some pretty nasty blows, and even she can leave us dealing with water damage from a number of different sources. The best way to prepare for nature-based water damage is to take care of the outside of your home.  

Clean your gutters regularly, or invest in covers that will keep debris out. Even with covers, you should still check your gutter system at least twice a year. Make sure everything is well-connected and replace anything that is showing signs of aging. 

Take a look at downspouts to ensure they are free of blockages. Both of these steps are especially important to do after a storm has blown through or winds have been high. 

When you check your gutters, take a look at your roof as well. Repair loose shingles or other materials, and make sure there are no soft spots. That could indicate a leak and deserves some deeper digging to keep things in good repair. 

Make sure your yard is sloped to move water away from the base of your house. You can use organic material to create additional sloping as well as increase absorption to prevent puddles from forming. If you have a spot in your yard that stays wet, consider installing a rain garden with plants that will naturally draw water down into the soil. 

Work Inside

While the outside of your home will likely only require maintenance a few times a year and after any big storms, preventing water damage inside your home should be a weekly part of your routine. A single leak can drip nearly 200 gallons per day, which is a lot of water that could be creeping around your walls and floorboard. 

Check for leaks under all your sinks and around toilets, tubs and showers often. Look for small puddles, drips hanging out on a pipe, or even splashes of water on the floor. 

Make sure seals are tight, and replace anything that has begun to age. Mold and musty odors are another indicator that moisture is getting in the wrong places, especially if you notice them near an appliance that uses water. Check behind and under the appliance as much as you are able for leaks in the water lines if you do notice an odor. 

Take note of any regular water payments you make—a sudden change is a good indicator that there is a leak somewhere in your home. A change in water pressure is another sign that something is not quite right. 

Protect your home from water damage by keeping a close eye on things inside and out. By keeping things well-maintained, you can count on water to make your life easier without worrying about damage. 

Do you have water damage in your home? Contact our SERVPRO® team, and we will get things dried out fast. 

2023 Storms on the Central Coast. Are you ready?

9/19/2023 (Permalink)

You may not be thinking about any storms coming our way right now with this 90-100 degree weather right now. The truth is, storm season is upon us. It’s that time of the year when the skies darken, the winds howl, and rain pours like there’s no tomorrow. While it’s tempting to cozy up indoors, let’s not forget about the roof over our heads literally. Your roof is your home’s first line of defense against the elements, and it takes a beating during storm season. Ignoring it is like playing Russian roulette with Mother Nature, and trust us, she doesn’t bluff. 

Are you ready?

Call us if you have any questions for preparedness!

Preparedness is key to avoiding and damage to your home or business!

805-574-6771

King City Flooding

12/30/2021 (Permalink)

Water Where It Doesn't Belong?

Many King City residents have had to deal with flooded basements and are continuing to see the damages.

The recent storm has affected so many families. Some unfortunately have experienced water damage before and many this is their first time.  It is so disheartening that so many folks are on lists for restoration companies to get help. There is such a great need and please stay patient as all companies are working hard to help.

What Can You Do?

Keep in mind the wet carpet isn't the only concern, it is your walls, behind your walls and the framing. If these materials stay wet it begins a breeding ground for mold that can start in a few days.

Here are some things that you can do while waiting for help to arrive, or if you chose to perform all the work yourself.

Water that came in from windows, doors, and foundation:

• Move all belongings out of the area
• Remove carpet pad
• Remove carpet
• Remove baseboard
• Remove drywall 2 feet up around all walls
• Remove Insulation and plastic sheeting
• Clean floor:
  • Clean surface with soap and warm, clean water.
  • Rinse with clean water.
  • Sanitize using a mixture of 1 cup (240 mL) of bleach to 5 gallons of water.
  • Allow to air dry.
  • Place any types of fans to help evaporate the moisture from the wet materials and install a dehumidifier to absorb the evaporation and dry everything down.

If water came in due to sump pump overflowing or failing. Follow steps above with the exception that the carpet can be saved. In addition, the interior walls do not have to be cut 2 feet up.  If you can't remove drywall at least drill holes under the baseboard line every several inches.

What's Next

If you worked on your basement with out professional help, the next step would be to hire a restoration company as they catch up to perform a water assessment. During the assessment we can determine if the basement is dry or if there are still wet materials that need attention. We can advise you on what else can be done or continue to assist you to make sure the home is safe, dry, and a healthy environment.

DIY - Lessons Learned

12/30/2021 (Permalink)

DIY

Problem:

Jack's dishwasher overflowed onto his kitchen laminate floor and the water also traveled to living room carpet.  Jack states "It's just a little water on the floor. I cleaned it up with my shop vac. It's no big deal. Everything is fine. Why would I need to call a water restoration company?"

Jack was feeling pretty confident that he cleaned up all the water himself and now all that was left was to sit down and watch the much anticipated football game.

Several days passed and the dishwasher overflow was a distant memory, until Jack's wife arrived home from a week long business trip. She looks around and asks Jack, "What is that SMELL? What did you do to the kitchen floor? What is that brown spot on the ceiling downstairs?"

The kitchen floor had started to curl and warp as water was trapped underneath. There was a large unsightly stain on the ceiling in the family room below the kitchen. Mold was starting to spread near the stain. The carpet pad was saturated in the living room and the lower level family room. All these wet materials contributed to the awful stench in the home.

Professionals:

Solution:

SERVPRO of Morro Bay / King City understands what, where, why, and how water damage affects your home or business. Our commitment to training and education in our industry gives us the ability to quickly reverse the damages from water. If Jack would have called SERVPRO first, he  would have saved thousands of dollars in repairs that may have been avoided completely if the professionals were called in to make it "Like it never even happened."

Detecting Moisture in your King City home

12/30/2021 (Permalink)

How do you know if something is really dry? You can tell by looking at it, right? What about touching it, that surely shows that it’s dry.

When water initially invades your home or business you can visualize the water. Most people rely on their sense of sight and touch to determine if a material is dry. This often leads to thinking that after the initial water has been cleaned up that it’s dry.

SERVPRO of Morro Bay / King City has a variety of tools and knowledge to detect moisture where it is not seen or felt. 

The picture shows one of our moisture detecting tools. This moisture meter penetrates a material such as drywall and it reads the moisture content. This reading tells us if the material is still wet or dry. 

Next time you have water invade your home or business let the professionals help you determine if it is truly dry.

King City 24 Hour Emergency Water Damage Service

12/27/2021 (Permalink)

SERVPRO of Morro Bay / King City is available 24 hours a day for water emergencies, large or small. When you are dealing with water damage, immediate action is crucial. A delay of just a few hours can greatly increase the severity of the water damage.

We Answer the Phone Ready to Help
Call Today - (805) 674-5771

We understand that when you call us, you may be feeling confused, stressed, and vulnerable. You need an expert to guide you through this crisis. SERVPRO of Morro Bay / King City has the specific water damage training and experience to help you through this tough time. We specialize in water damage restoration—in fact, it's the cornerstone of our business.

What to Expect

When you call, we will ask several questions regarding your water damage emergency. These questions will help us determine what equipment and resources to bring, including how many trained SERVPRO Professionals may be needed.

Our SERVPRO Representative will ask several questions:

• Your name and contact information
• Your insurance information (if applicable)
• The street address of the water-damaged home or business
• When did the flooding or water damage occur?
• What caused the water damage (if known)?
• Is there electricity available (on-site)?

About SERVPRO of Morro Bay / King City

SERVPRO of Morro Bay / King City specializes in the cleanup and restoration of residential and commercial property after a fire, smoke or water damage event. Our staff is highly trained in property damage restoration. From initial and ongoing training at SERVPRO’s corporate training facility to regular IICRC-industry certification, rest assured our staff is equipped with the knowledge to restore your property.

Team SERVPRO Thoroughly Remediates Water Damage After an Event in Your Home

12/1/2020 (Permalink)

A hot shower at the end of a long day in Fort Worth is a welcome thing, but when the shower water begins to escape and to pool where it should not be, you have a problem on your hands. The shower pan or shower base is a waterproof floor which includes the drain and is made to protect the shower area subfloor. Made usually of concrete and tile, terrazzo, metal, or concrete, if it has missing tiles or is sloped poorly, you are dealing with water damage in Fort Worth from a shower leak.

 
If for any reason your shower has caused a leak in your bathroom, the issue needs to be fixed right away. Continual exposure to moisture quickly creates mold in your bathroom, and you need help with the water removal as well. SERVPRO can come to your aid whenever you need us.
 
Once our techs have entirely removed any standing water and then dried out your home again, we can perform the restoration services. These include all the tasks that are needed to return your home to its normal condition before the loss. The restoration process can include any repairs to the structure and contents, final cleaning, final inspections and all of our equipment being removed from the job site when done. We also ensure that all of your belongings are put back into place.
 
One thing SERVPRO staff has to watch out for in a water damaged bathroom is the condition of any ceramic tile which was affected. The grouted joints are usually waterproofed when installing over plywood. However, any cracks make it vulnerable to water damage. The tile often is unaffected, but water can penetrate the grouting, causing warping or expansion of the subfloor, which causes the tiles to come apart at the joints and become loose. We need to repair your subflooring in this case and reinstall the tiles afterward.
 
SERVPRO of Morro Bay to King City is thorough when it comes to water removal and restoration of any damage left behind by the leak. You can trust us to take care of your home in Trace Ridge, Heritage Trace, or Keller when you call us at (805) 674-5771.

What Happens After You Call Us? When Face with Water Storm Damage

11/30/2020 (Permalink)

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.

More Than 1 Week:

• Restoration time and cost increase dramatically; replacing contaminated materials and structural rebuilding may be extensive.

• Structural safety, mold growth, and biohazard contaminants pose serious risks to occupants.

At SERVPRO of Morro Bay to King City we are there to help our customers in a fire and soot damage situation with fast service in order to get you back on your feet.  Please feel free to contact us at:

805-674-5771

What Is a Flood Cut?

10/28/2020 (Permalink)

If you’ve recently experienced flooding in your home or office, you’ve probably been told that you need to have a "flood cut" to your walls. You may have been told that the technicians will need to cut the bottom four feet off of your drywall.

This might seem a little excessive when you first hear this news, so let's talk a little about this procedure and give you the background you need to understand why it's being suggested.

Flood water always carries contaminants into a room. Even when water looks clear, it will carry bacteria and chemicals from the ground inside and outside your building. While there are various techniques for cleaning floors and upholstery, the best way to ensure that your walls are clean is to remove the drywall completely.

Let us reassure you that a flood cut is standard procedure when a room has been flooded. It may seem extreme, but if done properly, this first step will make your reconstruction process more effective in the long run.

A flood cut is what happens when a restoration or cleanup team removes all the drywall and baseboards below the four foot mark. This is an industry standard height no matter how high your flooding was because it’s the standard size that drywall is sold in. You may occasionally have a lower cut recommended, but be aware that if you use this height, you’ll have to cut the drywall you purchase down to size.

The flood cut isn’t only standard, but also a very important first step in restoring a flooded room.

If you've experienced flooding in your home, contact SERVPRO of Morro Bay to King City at 805-674-5771 and let us give you a recommendation for restoration.

How Dry Is Dry In Your King City Home?

9/15/2020 (Permalink)

How Dry Is Dry?

When you experience water damage to your King City, CA home or business, how do you know when it is really dry?

At SERVPRO of Morro Bay/King City, we have certified technicians that use professional techniques and equipment like moisture meters to ensure the proper amount of drying has taken place. 

Did you know that some materials can be over-dried? Things like wood floors and some building materials require a certain amount of moisture to maintain their strength and shape. The proper amount can also be dependent on several factors like elevation and region.

Our technicians know exactly how much moisture is appropriate for all of the materials in your home, and will be sure to restore them correctly.

If you have water damage in King City, call SERVPRO Morro Bay to King City 24 hours a day @ 805-674-5771. We look forward to hearing from you!

How to Deal with Frozen Pipes

9/1/2020 (Permalink)

Now that the colder temperatures are approaching us all on the Central Coast area (hard to believe in this heat), it is worth remembering some of the effects that winter weather has on our home.

The cold weather affects us all in one way or another, and our home as well. SERVPRO of Morro Bay / King City would like to offer the tips below to help you prevent frozen water pipes.

How to Deal with Frozen Pipes

• Disconnect and drain garden hoses.
• Cover outside faucets with insulating foam covers.
• Turn off water to outside faucets, if available, and open valves on faucets to allow them to drain.
• Turn off sprinkler system and blow compressed air through the lines to drain them.
• Close or cover foundation vents under house and windows to basements.
• Close garage doors.
• Insulate exposed pipes (both hot and cold) under house with foam pipe insulation.
• Open cabinet doors under sinks.
• Drip hot and cold faucets in kitchen and bath. Drip single control faucets with lever set in middle.
• Set ice maker to make ice if the water line to it runs under the house.
• Don’t forget to check on pipes to your washing machine in the laundry room
• Locate water main cut-off valve, and have a cut-off key handy.
• Use a hair dryer, heat lamp, electric heat tape, or a portable space heater to thaw frozen pipes that have not burst.
• Keep the faucet open when thawing frozen pipes to allow water to begin flowing through it.
• After the weather has warmed above freezing and any frozen pipes have thawed, turn off dripping faucets and monitor your water meter to check for unseen leaks.

SERVPRO of Morro Bay / King City

Please give us a call if you have any questions or if we can be of further assistance.

Faster to your Paso Robles Water Damage

9/1/2020 (Permalink)

Flooding and water emergencies don’t wait for regular business hours and neither do we. SERVPRO of Morro Bay to King City provides emergency cleaning and restoration services 24 hours a day, 7 days a week—including all holidays.

Faster To Any Size Disaster

Flooding and water damage is very invasive. Water quickly spreads throughout your home and gets absorbed into floors, walls, furniture, and more.  SERVPRO of Morro Bay to King City arrives quickly and starts the water extraction process almost immediately. This immediate response helps to minimize the damage and the cleaning and restoration costs.

Need Emergency Service? Call Us 24/7 – (805) 674-5771

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.

More Than 1 Week:

• Restoration time and cost increase dramatically; replacing contaminated materials and structural rebuilding may be extensive.
• Structural safety, mold growth, and biohazard contaminants pose serious risks to occupants.

About SERVPRO of Morro Bay to King City

SERVPRO of Morro Bay / King City specializes in the cleanup and restoration of residential and commercial property after a fire, smoke or water damage event. Our staff is highly trained in property damage restoration. From initial and ongoing training at SERVPRO’s corporate training facility to regular IICRC-industry certification, rest assured our staff is equipped with the knowledge to restore your property.

Common Drainage Problems in Your Yard

9/30/2019 (Permalink)

The 4 most common yard drainage problems

When you think of drainage problems, most homeowners immediately think of drains inside the house. However, just like inside drains, yard drain issues can affect your quality of life just as well. Many of these issues are easily avoidable just by doing a routine visual inspection, or periodic maintenance.

1. Clogged Yard Drains and Area Drains

Many things can clog yard drains. Because many yard drains are located near a grass area,  the usual suspects are leaves, twigs, grass cuttings, and trash. It’s always a good idea to periodically check your yard and area drains. You can see a small portion of yard drain from above the grating. It should be easy to see if an accumulation of debris or sediment is obstructing the water flow. This cure can be as simple as opening the grate when necessary and removing these items lying in the base of the drain. This is an easy fix; you can use a garden scoop, or simply put on a rubber glove and use your hand.

<pattachment-486">A clogged area drain can allow water to enter a basement

It is not advisable to flush them with a garden hose, as these items then tend to clog the pipe itself. If there is a long-standing problem that has made its way into the pipe, a sewer cleaning or water jet may be needed. In some cases pushing a pressurized garden hose in and out of the pipe can flush out the debris.

2. Dirt and Debris in Yard Drain

During the Fall season, a heavy load of dirt and debris can easily enter the yard drain. As the leaves begin to dry and fall from the trees, many of them get stuck under the grate. Carrying out yard maintenance and regular cleaning or mowing can help prevent clogging. Before heavy Spring rains occur, always make sure your yard drain gratings are cleaned of any sediment or leaves. This simple step can save you from a flooded area, or property damage. This is particularly true of area drains that are located just outside of an entry door.

While leaves are common culprits, tree roots present the more serious threat. Tree roots often look for the nearest source of water. Since area and yard drain lines are shallow, it is not unusual for roots to penetrate yard drainage lines. Yard drains provide the moisture that the roots need, and roots are strong enough to penetrate through old pipes, causing breaks and blockages.

3. Low Lying Areas with Poor Drainage

Sloping is another factor. The flooded areas in your lawn, or finished areas, are possibly caused by improper sloping or grading of your yard itself. If this is the case, check how the grading is structured in your property. This can be done using a line level, which is simply a line of rope with a level hanging off of it. A more sophisticated device is a lazer level.

<pattachment-485">Pooling water can create health issues

Affected areas usually have a poor drainage design, or no drainage system at all. Even when your own yard water usage does not cause the flood, your neighbor’s sprinkler systems can be the problem due to grading issues. But most frequently it is due to rainwater. In some rare cases dislodged sanitary home drain lines can seep waste water to outside the house itself. Needless to say, this poses the most severe health danger.

4. Stagnant Water

Pools of standing water in your yard is clear sign of drainage problem. If this is the case, there can be multiple underlying issues. As an example, existing hardpan (soil with a high clay content has very poor drainage qualities) in your property and poor grading. A hardpan calls for site-wide inspection and possibly a new drainage plan. The solution may involve excavation in wide areas of the lawn. In areas with high rainfall, pools of standing water make your yard not only aesthetically unpleasing but also a breeding ground for insects, hence health problems. Stagnant water creates the perfect environment for the following insects to breed and thrive: Mosquito, Fly maggots, Dragonfly nymphs, and Water scorpions. Some insects are more than just nuisance. They are known to be carriers of dangerous diseases.

DIY Bathroom Cleaners for Every Surface

9/3/2019 (Permalink)

DIY BATHROOM CLEANER INGREDIENTS·

A heavy-duty cleaning or gardening spray bottle·

1 Cup White Vinegar (Heated)·

1 Tablespoon Dawn Blue Liquid Dish Soap

HOMEMADE BATHROOM CLEANER DIRECTIONS

Step 1: Heat the vinegar on the stove top until hot (NOT boiling) or use your microwave for 60 seconds or less (avoiding a boil). Pour the hot vinegar into the spray bottle.

Step 2: Add the tablespoon of Dawn dish soap or its equivalent to the spray bottle. (Tip: To avoid a vinegar-y smell, use lavender-, citrus-, or tropical-scented dish soap. Regardless, the smell will be rather strong, so consider opening a window or running a fan.)

Step 3: Shake gently.

Step 4: Spray the mixture immediately and liberally onto the intended surface. Because of the heated vinegar, this cleaning solution needs to be used right after preparation, otherwise it will eventually clog the sprayer due to a residue developed by the soap and the acidity of the vinegar as it cools. Only make the amount you need. Discard the rest and thoroughly rinse your sprayer with hot water afterward. (If the surface is grimy from extended periods of dirt or soap scum, then let the concoction sit for 10 to 30 minutes before taking the fifth step.)

Step 5: Use a wet sponge to wipe the grime. Prepare yourself for the shock of how easily it washes away.

How to Detect Leaks in Your In-ground Sprinkler System

8/27/2019 (Permalink)

Since much of your home's automatic sprinkler system components are located underground with gallons of water regularly cursing through, how do you know if a leak occurs? In addition to wasting water, in-ground sprinkler system leaks can damage your lawn and garden if they aren’t caught and repaired quickly. Depending on your sprinkler system design, you likely have valves and water lines that run throughout your lawn and landscape that are prone to leaking issues.  Unless you installed a DIY sprinkler system, you may not know precisely where those lines and valves are located.

Spot Leaks in Your In-ground Sprinkler System 

-Look at the differences in water pressure and if the system is spraying low water pressure when it is on

-Mold and mildew on the lawn or grass and plant damage caused by fungus

-Areas that are much greener above the water lines or around the sprinkler heads of your system 

-Water bubbling up when the system is running or a depressed, sunken area in your lawn

-Small holes in your yard

-A sprinkler system line that sprays dirty water

-Signs of animal damage or digging that could cause a leak

Fix a Leak in Your Sprinkler System 

Many leaks can be fixed without professional intervention, saving you a ton on sprinkler system costs.

Step 1: Look for sprinkler heads that don’t spray properly or have low water flow

First, you must locate the leak. If you think the leak is in a water line, look for sprinkler heads in a zone that isn't working or that has very low pressure. You’ll likely find the leak or water line issue somewhere between a working sprinkler head and several non-working ones, especially if that area stays wet and soggy. 

Step 2: Dig Until you Find the Issue 

After you’ve found the leak, carefully dig until you find the component that’s causing the issue (contact your utility company before you start digging). In some cases, you may just need to tighten a clamp or joint, or maybe replace a damaged or torn seal or valve. In some cases, you may need to replace an entire section of pipe.

Step 3: Minimize Leak Issues with Proper Maintenance 

To minimize leak issues, make sure to operate and maintain your in-ground sprinkler system properly. 

Observe all the zones in operation at least weekly during watering months to watch for heads that aren’t spraying correctly and to make sure that the heads are positioned to supply adequate water to all areas of your lawn and garden. Take care when operating lawn mowers and other equipment around sprinkler heads, and keep vehicles off the grass.  Check your control panel regularly to make sure the settings are correct and pay attention to the water pressure when the system is operating.  Keeping a close eye on your automatic irrigation system will help you nip small problems in the bud before they become big ones.

Water Heater Noises?

8/22/2019 (Permalink)

Water Heater Noises?

The water heater may be the most overworked and under-appreciated piece of mechanical equipment in a house. We usually assume it’s doing its job as it should and leave it alone, unless it starts to makes weird and scary noises.

To help you avoid a potentially dangerous and expensive plumbing crisis, we’re looking at four frightening sounds your water heater can make and what they mean.

1. Popping Sounds

   One of the most common sounds a water heater can make is popping. When that happens, it’s usually an indication that your water heater has an excess of mineral deposits and sediment at the bottom. This is especially problematic in areas that have hard water. Mineral deposits (mainly lime and calcium), sand, and any debris that might travel through the water supply can stick to the bottom of your water heater.

   Eventually, the buildup of gunk at the bottom may trap water beneath the sediment. Think of a pot of water you have on the stove. If you’re not paying attention, and if the heat is too high, the water will boil, and it will continue to boil until it flows over the sides of the pot. In the case of your water heater, at some point, the pressure from the steam bubbles will cause the water tank to explode if your model is older.

   The Solution

   Thankfully, there’s an easy solution to this problem. The best way to prevent sediment from building up is to have the water heater flushed out to remove all of the mineral deposits and sediments. 

2. Screeching Sounds

   Screeching noises are sometimes indicative of water flow restriction. The most likely cause is the inlet control valve on the water heater. A partially closed valve will prevent water from flowing through the pipes.

   The Solution

   Easy: check the valve to make sure it’s open! If it’s halfway open, turn the valve so it’s now wide open. If that was the problem, the sizzling should stop.

3. Crackling Sounds

   If you have a gas-powered water heater, it’s possible there’s condensation on the burner. Although the noise may be annoying, it is not a sign of anything wrong with your water heater. No action required, here.

4. Sizzling Sounds

   If there is a leak in your water heater, that could cause a sizzling sound. The sizzle occurs when leaking water drips onto the burner. If you don’t have hot water, or if you see water on the floor around your water heater, it’s probably coming from a leak.

   The Solution

   Unfortunately, this fix isn’t as easy. A water leak isn’t going to repair itself. Besides the wasted water, you’re wasting energy because the water heater is heating water that no one can use.

   Call SERVPRO of Morro Bay/King City with any questions! 805-674-5771