Water Damage Restoration

Q: Are you available 24 hours a day?
A: Yes, we are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week for your water, flood and fire damage emergency needs.

Q: How do I contact you?
A: For an immediate response to your emergency, call 1-800-792-5333, 24 hours, 7 days a week. You may also contact our in-house insurance specialist and he will return your email by the end of the business day by clicking here.

Q: Where does A#1 provide services to?
A: A#1 offers immediate response to Orange County and the surrounding areas

Q: What services do you provide?

A: We provide the following services: 24 hour Emergency Service, Complete home repair, Plumbing inspection and leak detection, Mold remediation, Asbestos removal and testing, Carpet and Upholstery cleaning, and Smoke and fire damage restoration

Q: Do you provide these services in both residential and commercial applications?
A: Yes we do.

Q: What forms of payment do you accept?
A: We accept all major credit cards for Emergency Services only, and structural repairs are by check only

Q: How is A#1 different from all of the other water damage restoration companies, aren’t they all the same?
A: A#1 stands apart from the crowd in a few but very important areas:

1. We will complete all repairs for what we can negotiate from your insurance company, the owner pays only the deductible and they are paid in full
2. Our in-house insurance specialist will handle all aspects of your claim from flood to finish
3. We offer a 3 year warranty on all repairs to the home
4. We are certified in all areas of service and are licensed, insured, and bonded. We also carry a general contractors license for the repair phase

Q: What is air drying?
A: Air drying is the most common technique for dry out. Airflow will speed up evaporation by moving moisture-saturated air, allowing dry air to absorb moisture. This method is inexpensive drying since no special equipment is required. However, it is relatively slow.

Insurance FAQs

Q: What insurance providers do you accept?
A: We will work with any insurance company that the owner has covering the home. We may not be a preferred contractor of the insurance company but we are the home owner’s best option to maximize the claim potential and follow through until the home returns to its pre-loss conditions.

Q: What would cause my insurance claim to be denied?
A: Denial of a claim is usually due to lack of maintenance. If you see a leaking pipe and ignore the issue, these damages will most likely not be covered. Another common denial is exterior water intrusions from floods, unless otherwise stated in your insurance policy.

Q: What will be covered by my claim?
A: If properly insured, we will get all resulting damages covered. The cause of the water damage will not be covered (i.e., a broken pipe), but the cost to dry the framing and repair of the wall would be.

Q: Do I need to call my insurance company and get approval before you start drying and remove affected materials?
A: No, your insurance company expects you to be proactive in precluding any secondary damage like mold. Drying should be started as soon as possible. Insurance law allows a consumer the right to choose any licensed contractor specializing in water damage.

Q: How much will this cost me?
A: If we are returning your home to pre-loss conditions without upgrades, the only cost to the homeowner is the insurance deductible.

Water & Flood Damage

Q:  How can I safely inspect my house after water damage? 
A: The safety hazards are not over when the water goes down. Do not endanger yourself or your family after a water event. Keep children and pets away. Try to protect yourself and your family from stress, fatigue, and water-related health hazards.

Follow these basic safety rules:

• Determine Structural Stability
• Cut off power supply
• Turn off water supply
• Turn off gas supply
• Beware of animals
• Use protective gear

Q:  What are the best ways to secure my property after water related damage? 
A: Lock and secure your property when not occupied to prevent looting. Keep in mind that alarms may malfunction if the electricity or telephone service has been interrupted.

Q:   Do I need to throw away all my kitchenware after a flood? 
A: Not necessarily. Dishes, cooking utensils and food preparation areas can be sanitised, disinfected and then reused. Throw away wooden cutting boards, plastic utensils, baby bottle nipples and pacifiers, since it's nearly impossible to safely clean them.

Q:  If I have wet carpet, tile, walls/ceiling, and/or contents, why can't I let these items dry on their own? 
A: The only way to properly dry wet building materials and contents is to use blowers and dehumidifiers. You will almost certainly develop mold/mildew if you allow building materials and contents air dry.

Q:  How long will the equipment run and should I keep it on 24 hours a day? 
A: Drying usually takes a minimum of 3 days, but varies according to size of loss, indoor/outdoor conditions, and the affected materials.  Equipment may be turned off to sleep.

Q:  Does A#1 Emergency Service handle the repairs too? 
A: Yes, A#1 Emergency Service handles structural/contents drying as well as repairs and restoration.  These services include, but are not limited to, drywall repair, finish carpentry, carpet/tile/wood flooring, paint, etc.

Q:  Should I be concerned if the loss is gray or black water, i.e. toilet or sewer backup? 
A: Yes, bacteria-ridden water from these sources may pose a significant risk to one’s health, especially if ingested.  All porous items that have been saturated should be discarded in most cases.

Mold

Q: How long do I have before mold can grow?
A: In some cases, if areas are completely dried within 24 hours mold will not grow. However, if not properly dried, contaminated area provides the ideal environment for mold to grow and reproduce. Please also remember that you cannot tell if the area is dry without the proper equipment.

Q: What are some mold problems I should be concerned about?  
Where, in my house, should I look for mold? 
A: Molds, mildew, fungi, and dust mites are the main biological pollutants inside a home. Mold is generated in the home and releases spores into the air. Mold, fungi, and bacteria are often found in areas that have high humidity levels; such as bathrooms, laundry rooms, or basements. Mold spores are problematic when they become airborne by vacuuming, making beds, or when other textiles are disturbed. It grows on organic material such as paper, textiles, grease, wood, and sheet-rock. When the colonies and spores are disturbed, they become airborne. Mold spores float throughout the house, and when they land on a suitable material, they begin to form new colonies. One of the most common means of transportation is an HVAC system. An HVAC system can distribute spores throughout an entire house.

Q: What are some of the health effects of mold? 
A: Allergic reactions are the most common health problems associated with biological pollutants. Symptoms range from mild; watery eyes, runny nose, sneezing, nasal congestion, itching, coughing, and difficulty breathing, to more severe; asthma attacks, migraines, and in some rare cases certain molds have been blamed for brain damage and infant death.

Q: I have noticed some mold on my wall, in my laundry room.  I've been hearing a lot about mold lately.  Can I clean this up myself? Why can’t I just use bleach to kill mold?
A: Chlorine bleach is not recommended as a routine practice during mold cleanup. In most cases, it is not possible or desirable to sterilize an area with bleach, and a background level of mold spores will still remain. These spores will not grow if the moisture problem has been resolved. When cleaning up mold there are numerous precautions and procedures that must be taken.  The area that needs to be cleaned needs to be evacuated.  On occasion, if a small amount of mold is seen, it is usually a sign that there is a larger mold infestation inside the wall or floor.  Some precautions include wearing a full or half-face respirator to prevent inhalation of airborne spores.  Protective clothing (disposable) must be worn, including rubber gloves.  The area must be contained.  Continuous negative air pressure is used inside the containment area to minimize cross containment.  HEPA filters must be used in the vacuum, with the bag and all moldy items to be discarded.  It's not enough to kill mold, it has to be physically removed.  Dead mold is still allergenic.

If you have any questions or would like assistance, call A#1 Emergency Service, The Mold Remediation Experts, at 1-800-792-5333.

Carpet Cleaning Tips

Q: How often should carpets be professionally cleaned? 
A: Most major carpet and carpet fiber manufacturers recommend carpets be professionally cleaned every 18 months in order to remove particulate soils that cause carpeting to wear prematurely and affect the appearance of the carpet. However the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), who takes a position of the carpet being cleaned for health and not appearance, recommends that carpets be cleaned annually. However, carpets that are subjected to extreme soiling or heavy use, particularly high-traffic areas, or carpets installed in homes occupied by persons with allergies or respiratory problems, require increased cleaning frequency.

Q: Will a do-it-yourself carpet cleaning machine do the same job? 
A: No, it is the technician who is using the machine that makes a difference. Well-trained technicians can do the best job with most professional equipment, chemistry, and experience. Home owners who rent do-it-yourself equipment do not have the necessary training to understand that there are many different types of carpets and carpet fibers and the chemistry is not the same for all variations. In addition, there is no understanding of the protective coatings and stain resistant finishes that are built into today’s carpet.

Q: Can carpet really be restored after water damage? 
A: The best answer is, it depends. Time and water source are critical factors in determining whether carpet can be salvaged and restored. If the water is from a flood or sewer backup, sanitation is the main concern. If the water damage is a result of rain or appliance water, the main concern is preventing mold and mildew.

Q: Is the hot water extraction method good for carpets? 
A: In order to maintain most carpets and carpet fibers, manufacturers require hot water extraction cleaning to be performed by a professional carpet cleaning company. Typically this system is performed with a self-contained cleaning unit that is mounted in a truck. The cleaner only brings into the home his cleaning tool and the hoses that connect the cleaning tool to the truck. The solution is applied to the carpet under pressure and at high temperatures which helps the carpets to dry fast. The chemistry that is used should leave no residue, so your carpet will not attract soil after cleaning. Properly used, this system should not penetrate through the carpet backing, preventing over-wetting of the carpet.

TIPS FOR MAINTAINING THE BEAUTY & EXTENDING THE LIFE OF YOUR CARPET

Entrance Mats:
Using entrance mats inside and outside of doorways, will reduce the amount of soil brought onto your carpet. As much as 75% of the dirt and grime in your carpet is tracked-in soil.

Vacuuming:
Nothing is more important for maintaining beautiful, long lasting carpet than vacuuming. Dry soil is abrasive and can actually damage carpet fibers, causing accelerated wear. In addition to creating a dingy, poor appearance, it will also diminish the effectiveness of your stain-resistant protective coating. A vacuum with a beater bar will give the best results.

Professional Cleaning:
Periodically, have your carpet and upholstery professionally cleaned by A #1 Steaming. Most carpet manufacturers recommend hot water extraction as the best method for cleaning carpet, and many require periodic hot water extraction cleaning as a warranty requirement. Do not use do-it-yourself wet shampooing or dry cleaning methods on carpets. They can leave a residue which actually attracts and holds dirt.

Clean up spills immediately:
The quicker you attend to a spill, the easier it is to remove. Always blot the spill. Use a clean, white absorbent cloth. Never rub or use a brush. Rubbing can actually make the stain worse and permanently alter the look of the carpet fiber or fabric.

If you have any questions or would like assistance, call A#1 Steaming toll free at 800-792-5333.

Smoke & Fire Damage

Q:  What fire remediation services does A#1 Emergency Service provide? 
A: A#1’s certifies technicians will wipe down all surfaces, place negative air machines to remove odors, and clean all A/C ducts. The wipe down allows the home owner to repaint over a clean painted surface and not the soot that is left from the fire. Negative air machines and HEPA Machines remove the odor that remains after the fire has been extinguished. Cleaning the A/C ducts removes the residual soot and odor that finds its way into your A/C ducts.

Q:  Why is it important to wipe down the walls?
A: If the soot from the fire is allowed to remain on the walls, it prohibits a fresh coat of paint from attaching to the wall surface. The soot is also acidic, and if permitted to remain on porous services it can destroy the material it is on causing much more damage that the fire caused.

Q: What can I do to reduce fire hazards in my backyard?
A: There are a few steps you can take to increase fire safety in your backyard.

• Plant fire resistant plants such as hard wood trees.
• Keep your backyard clean from dry leaves and combustible debris.
• Thin out your trees and keep a 15 feet space between tree crowns.
• Prevent fire from spreading from the ground to the trees by removing limbs and dead branches from 6 to 10 feet of the ground.