“Dan and his team walk me though the whole process with timely update and stick with the budget. Great people to work with, high quality work, and very experienced team.”
-David J.
“Brad, Dan and team came through when we desperately needed them! They are so professional and thorough in their work. Outstanding service start to finish. They provide quality work and take their time to explain and answer all questions. We were very impressed and will use them again!”
-Faith M.
“We were completely satisfied from start to finish! They came out quickly to start the flood cleanup. Right after the demo began! They didnt waste any time starting in with repairs. All of the people we came into contact with were professional as well as personable. They worked directly with our insurance to relieve that stress from us. We couldnt be more pleased. Would definitley use again and suggest to our family and friends! Dan, you were amazing and organized everything to a T. Thanks for working so closely to get the job done!”
-Ilene Cobb
“Brad/Dan and their teams were great to work with and made the unfortunate incidents much easier to resolve. Thank you First Call!”
-Chris Klohs
“Very reliable company. Quick to respond and excellent work. Made me feel like I was a top priority. Detailed explanation with the work that was going to be done and thorough.”
-Mo Dugan
“Brad and the 2 guys that came out to get rid of mold in our home were informative and very professional. I hope I never have to use them again but I would recommend them to anyone!”
-Colleen Grosdidier
I’ve worked with Brad on a professional level numerous times and he is always very responsive and professional. It’s obvious he cares about his clients by the way he conducts his business. I will always recommend First Call to all of my clients and friends/family!
–Jessica Raley
First Call Restoration coordinated the complete renovation of the wood floors throughout the house which involved replacing some flooring, refinishing, and painting base boards and new base shoe throughout the house. The furniture was moved out of the house during this process. Everything was done in a timely manner and the end result is beautiful and professionally done. Dan Murphy was easy to work with and managed the project professionally. I would use them again
– Karen Klausner.
I can’t say enough good things about Dan Murphy and his team. They were all extremely professional and timely. They work each team did to restore my basement was outstanding. Everything was explained to me properly, and there were no surprises. I hope to never have flooding again, but if I do, I am calling Dan! I would recommend him and his crew to anyone!
– Drew Honaker.
(BPT) – There’s nothing quite like owning a home. You feel the pride of achieving a financial goal and the comfort of having a sanctuary and space of your own in which to build a lifetime of memories.
Occasionally, there’s also the element of surprise when things suddenly break – like appliances, the furnace, or the water heater – and need to be fixed or replaced. Water damage is the most common – and unwanted – a surprise for homeowners. According to Mercury Insurance, water-related damages accounted for more than 45% of its homeowner’s insurance claims in 2020, resulting in $160 million in property damage.
“A water leak can happen at any time, so it’s important for homeowners to routinely check for potential sources to help combat this,” said Christopher O’Rourke, vice president of property claims at Mercury Insurance. “It’s also important to address the cause of brown spots on the ceiling or bulges in the walls immediately – these usually indicate a leak or water build-up, and most homeowners insurance policies don’t cover long-term leaks. Left untreated, this can lead to extensive damage.”
Show your home a little TLC to protect against water damage by inspecting these three areas in and around it.
Periodically check the pipes underneath the bathroom sink for cracks or leaks. A leaky pipe can be a sign of a more significant issue that might eventually cause your pipes to burst, like high water pressure or corrosion. Regardless of the cause, consult with a professional to have them assess and fix it.
The seal created by the caulk around your sink, tub, and shower help prevent water from seeping into spaces where it doesn’t belong, but it won’t last forever. Ensure the caulk isn’t worn or cracked, and apply a new layer if needed.
If water leaks from the base of your toilet, or it wobbles when you sit, it’s time to replace the wax ring. Wax rings help form a watertight seal between the bottom of a toilet and the sewer pipe. The ring usually lasts the life of the toilet, but it can dry out and fail, so pay attention to malfunction signs.
“Once a week, make a point of turning faucets on and off and flushing toilets to ensure water continues flowing through the pipes properly,” O’Rourke adds.
Like in the bathroom, the pipes beneath the kitchen sink need to be checked regularly for leaks and cracks.
Kitchen appliances with hoses that connect to your water supply – refrigerators with icemakers or water dispensers and dishwashers – are another potential source for leaks. Rubber hoses can wear out, blister or crack, and will need to be replaced over time. Consider replacing this type of hose with a steel-braided version as these are less likely to fail.
Your washing machine probably isn’t in your kitchen but be sure to inspect its hose as well. The hose connection can loosen during wash cycle vibrations, so check to ensure it’s tight.
Be sure to keep rain gutters and downspouts free of debris to prevent clogs and position downspouts from directing water away from the house.
Holes, cracks, and gaps can be entry points for unwelcome water, which can cause rot or structural damage. Walk the perimeter of your home to look for imperfections in its facade. Inspect the condition of the weather stripping on your windows and doors to ensure they are properly sealed to keep out the elements. Also, look for damaged, missing, or lost roof shingles, which can be seen from proper vantage points on the ground.
If you note any damage to your home’s exterior walls or roof, consult with a professional to determine the following steps to fix the spots where water can potentially enter.
O’Rourke also recommends that homeowners consider installing a water leak detection system. “Smart home devices like water leak detection or shutoff systems can monitor for leaks around the clock, and some can automatically shut off the main water supply if a leak or burst pipe is identified. These types of devices can offer peace of mind and might even qualify you for an insurance discount.”
