Water Damage Blogs

Let CTR Help Restore Your Furniture After Water Damage When you’re restoring your furniture, where do you even start? Restoring furniture after water damage can feel like a daunting task, but with the right approach and expertise, it’s entirely manageable. Whether you have wood, upholstery, leather, or veneer, Cleanup & Total Restoration (CTR) can help…

At Cleanup & Total Restoration (CTR), it’s our goal to equip our customers with the knowledge and know-how when it comes to assessing water damage on your drywall. We specialize in cleanup, repair, replacement, and restoration services specializing in water damage for any part of the home. What Does Wet Drywall Look Like? Wet drywall…

A flooded kitchen can feel like a natural disaster just took place in your home. Although it can feel defeating at first, Cleanup & Total Restoration (CTR) is here to help you get through. We offer affordable quality water restoration services for any room in your home. Our extensive experience and knowledge make us the…

You may not know what to do after a storm has caused damage to your home, but rest assured, Cleanup & Total Restoration (CTR) is here to help. In Idaho, severe storms are few and far between. But when a storm does strike your home, you can be left with a leaking roof, torn-apart gutters,…

A common kitchen appliance mishap, a leaking dishwasher, affects many homeowners. If you fall into this category, rest assured that the water restoration experts at Cleanup & Total Restoration are here to help with no hidden fees, certified technicians, and 24/7 service.  Common Reasons Your Dishwasher Is Leaking Overfilled Dishwasher Overfilling your dishwasher can cause…

A Southern Idaho winter is meant to be spent around the fireplace. But that roaring fire won’t last long if your chimney is leaking. Chimney leaks are common and it’s important to address minor issues before they grow into big problems. And trust us, chimney leaks can grow into big problems.  Don’t let a leaking…

Water damage is a nightmare for anyone. Between the physical and financial damage, it can put a significant strain on your home life and well-being. If you’ve experienced a flood or other water-related disaster, then you know the dread water damage causes. You’ve also probably experienced a restoration team repairing the damages. But what’s the…

Ever stepped on a wet carpet and felt your spine shiver? What’s worse is the smell. The smell of wet carpet isn’t just a stinky situation; it’s unsafe. Why? Carpet is good at harboring water, leading to the growth of mold and other harmful bacteria.  Keep reading to find out how you can reverse the…

A leak does a lot more water damage to your commercial building than you think. When a leak or flood devastates your commercial building, the damage will turn away customers, leading to overall revenue loss.  Don’t let your business operations come to a screeching halt. Instead, contact the restoration company commercial property owners trust. Cleanup…

Winter is fast approaching; and with winter comes snow and ice. Yes, snow and ice can damage your roof, and when it does, it can lead to some pretty costly repairs. If you think your roof has been damaged by snow or ice, there’s no time to waste: call a professional before your roof leaks,…

It’s that time of the year: frozen pipes season. The winter months are harsh, but they’re even harsher on your plumbing system. Even the most experienced property owners deal with frozen pipes, especially during deep freezes.  If you’re reading this, you’re here for one of two reasons: you’re either prepping your pipes for winter or…

Most modern kitchens and bathrooms have tile flooring. It’s durable, easy to clean, and can withstand moisture—for the most part.  But too much of anything is never a good thing, including moisture underneath your tiles. It pays to take care of your tiles. Otherwise, you could be dealing with some costly repairs—or worse, a total…

Floor joists play an essential role in every residential and commercial building. Without them, your floors would crumble right beneath your feet. These wooden beams support the floor in buildings, maintaining their structural integrity and achieving weight distribution.  Just like the flooring itself, floor joists are susceptible to water damage caused by flooding, burst pipes,…

Bathrooms and water go hand-in-hand—until the water is on your walls and floors. Sinks, toilets, and tubs all have the potential to cause water damage in your bathroom, and when they do, issues like mold and structural damage can wind up costing you more than a headache.  What Does Bathroom Water Damage Look Like? Your…

Cabinets are often susceptible to water damage thanks to the proximity of appliances like sinks, dishwashers, and refrigerators. A leak springs, and sooner or later you see water dripping down and through your cabinetry. Wet cabinets may not raise any alarm bells for you, but water-logged wood cabinets can lead to trouble. Between warped wood…

If you have a water leak on your hands, Cleanup & Total Restoration is the name you can trust to restore the damage. We offer 24-hour emergency services and guarantee a 60-minute response time to give you peace of mind when all you see is chaos. Let’s take a look at how to spot water…

Roof leaks are destructive, costly, and a flat-out headache to deal with. Wouldn’t it be great if someone else could fix them for you? With Cleanup & Total Restoration on your side, this dream can become a reality. Whether the leak is big or small, our restoration specialists have what it takes to make things…

Whether it was caused by a roof leak or an overflowing toilet, water damage is never fun to deal with—especially when it affects your carpet. Your main goal as a homeowner is to fix the problem quickly so you can avoid replacing your existing carpet. When you need a professional carpet cleaning, look no further…

Spotting baseboard water damage is either a breeze or it’s barely even noticeable. Sometimes you can’t uncover water damage until mold, cracks, or stains start appearing in strange places throughout your home. Instead of risking thousands in repair costs, keep your eyes peeled for the early signs of water damage before it’s too late to…

Mother nature can be as sweet as apple pie—but it can also be dangerous and even deadly. A flood is a dangerous natural disaster that affects countless communities nationwide. From coast to coast, floods can ravage homes and destroy priceless belongings. Southern Idaho sees its fair share of rain each year. Do you know what…

You’re sitting on your couch reading a good book or enjoying a binge-worthy show when you notice a stain on your ceiling. You wonder about how long it’s been there and start to worry about the possibility of a leak. Well, worry not. We’re here to shed some light on what could be causing your…

There you are, lounging at home when you hear it. That slow drip coming from a suspicious spot on your ceiling – a water leak from the upstairs condo. Or maybe it’s not a slow drip. Maybe it’s a full-fledged flood. In either case, panic ensues and now you’re faced with two obstacles: dealing with…

Whether it’s due to heavy rain or a plumbing disaster, the effects of water damage can be far-reaching and devastating. Cleanup & Total Restoration plays a vital role in mitigating water damage and restoring Southern Idaho properties to their pre-loss condition. That said, understanding the different categories of water damage is crucial to assess the…

If your condo or business recently experienced a fire, then you likely have fire sprinkler water damage. Fire sprinkler systems are designed to disperse water when high heat is detected. Sometimes older systems can fail, especially when placed next to heat sources like boilers and furnaces. As life-saving as fire sprinkler systems are, they come…

Basements are useful and habitual spaces. Whether you’re using yours as an additional storage space, an extra living area, or have transformed it into a funky bar, you likely use your basement on a regular basis. However, heavy rain can turn any basement into a waterlogged nightmare. Let’s explore what to do when your basement…

Hardwood floor water damage is never a good sign. Hardwood floors are beautiful and can add warmth and value to any home. Yet, as beautiful as they are, hardwood floors can quickly become damaged by water. This is because wood is porous and hygroscopic, meaning it takes on moisture from its environment.  Any amount of…

Giving water spots a cold shoulder is never a good move. If you notice wet, squishy areas around your walls or ceiling, it’s a surefire sign that your property is experiencing water damage. Luckily, if this is your first time spotting such spots, it’s likely that the leak is fairly new. But how can you…

Attics are often out of sight, out of mind—but many homeowners don’t realize how vulnerable attics are to water damage. Since attics are closest to the elements, they can fall victim to leaks, burst pipes, moisture buildup, and ice dams. If your attic has suffered from water damage and you need help fast, look no…

Water—you can’t live without it. But you also can’t live with water damage wreaking havoc on your home. From ruined floorboards to an unstable structure, water damage can do a number on your home’s integrity. If you suspect water damage, there’s no need to panic. Cleanup & Total Restoration offers emergency water damage services to…

Going on a vacation is your time to log off from the world, and the last thing you want to come home to is a headache. When water damage strikes, it’s often when you least expect it—and frequently, it’s while you’re on vacation. Below is our how-to guide on preventing water damage while on vacation.…

A strong foundation is the core of a lasting home. Without a solid foundation, your home’s structure could be put in jeopardy. Moisture is one of the leading reasons why home foundations deteriorate. This is because any saturated soil surrounding your foundation can cause cracks and leaks—which can lead to a whole slew of other…

Water can cause damage to vinyl flooring, despite its waterproof properties. Despite being waterproof, unexpected water disasters, such as leaks, flooding, and moisture buildup, can all contribute to swelling and delamination. As soon as you spot any water damage signs under your vinyl flooring, you must act quickly. The quicker vinyl flooring can be dried…

Water has the propensity to cause massive property damage. Flooding from a storm, appliance malfunction, burst pipe, or water line leak can all allow water to seep into vulnerable areas. Your ceiling and drywall are especially susceptible to water damage. Drywall water damage needs repair quickly before the damage can worsen or spread to other…

Water damage can appear in various ways. From cracks in the walls and foundation to moldy floors and water bubbles—each form lower’s your property’s value and makes it a structural risk. When water leaks through the roof or a water line running above it, it can quickly damage the ceiling. One of the most common…

Carpet and water are two things that do not mix. Whether you have experienced a flood or discovered a wet spot, calling a professional water damage specialist and carpet cleaner is a must. Water on carpet is unforgiving and can result in a slew of issues ranging from damaged subflooring to mold and mildew.  Can…

Water damage can ruin walls, ceilings, flooring, and several other parts of your property. It doesn’t take much—spills, leaks, flooding, or burst pipes can all produce expensive and sometimes irreversible damage to materials.  This can be especially true for laminate flooring. Although laminate can handle small amounts of water, allowing water to linger or ignoring…

When the snows fall and the white winds blow, those who prepared their property for winter will fare better than those who did not. Cold weather can freeze water in your plumbing, creating the potential winter water damage. But taking preventative measures can help you avoid extensive damage, expensive repairs, and the accompanying headaches.  7…

Of all the places water can come out of in your apartment, the ceiling might be one of the most unsettling. Yet, an apartment ceiling leak can happen, and when they do, you’ll need to figure out what to do to minimize the damage.  Whether it was caused by you, another tenant, or your landlord,…

If you were paying attention in science class, then you know water freezes at 32 degrees Fahrenheit. That means when outdoor temperatures drop below freezing—which routinely happens in winter—the water in pipes flowing in and out of your home could freeze. Rest assured, pipes don’t freeze immediately. But with sustained low temperatures and given enough…

Water damage can devastate property, leaving behind the possibility of mold growth and costly structural damage. When flooding from a burst pipe, storm, or similar event happens to your home or business, it’s pretty obvious who will pay for cleanup, repairs, and restoration. But when water damage strikes a rental property, it’s not so clear…

Whether you’re walking into your home or office, the last thing you expect to step in is water. But when you face a bursted water pipe in your property, that’s exactly what may happen—not to mention the damage it leaves behind.  Avoiding the nightmare clean-up and repairs from a burst pipe isn’t always possible. It…

Of all the ways water can damage or deteriorate your home, the most inconvenient is a sewage backup in the basement. It’s stinky, filthy, and can be dangerous to clean up.  Even when the wastewater is gone, the smell can linger if nothing is done to restore damaged walls, floors, and more. Suffice it to…

You can safely store holiday decorations, hardly used electronics, and other items in your crawl space. They may collect dust but shouldn’t otherwise be affected. However, if moisture and water find their way into this area, it can put your things at risk. Even in small amounts, water in your crawl space is not normal.…

A Complete Guide to Flooded Basements A flood can happen to anyone at any time, regardless of the time of year or where you live. Floods are the natural disaster that causes the most property damage. A flooded basement can cause serious and sometimes irreversible damage to your property.  Knowing what signs to look out…

Not all signs of a water leak are easy to spot. That is why it is so important to know the common signs of a water leak. Being able to identify a leak in your home can help save you costly repairs, mold, and foundational damage. Learn the five most common signs of a water…

Water damage to residential homes can affect up to 14,000 people every day and cost tens of thousands of dollars in insurance claims. But do you know how to identify water damage and its common causes? The more knowledge you have, the better prepared you will be in an emergency. 

Nobody wants to think about the worst-case scenario. A pipe bursts, an appliance leaks, or a flood takes you by surprise, and you are left with standing water in your home. These are impossible to plan for, but you can always be prepared by following water damage restoration protocol. We have compiled a checklist for you so you can get answers when you need them most. 

Annually, $13 billion is spent on water damage and removal in the United States. 14,000 Americans will face a water damage emergency each day. Water damage is an even scarier concept for those with basements as 98% of basements will experience water damage in their lifetime. Chances are, a water damage emergency will happen when…

Visiting the lake is a relaxing, recharging, and enjoyable experience… but not when it’s in your basement.  A flooded basement is anything but exciting. It requires extensive repairs and a lot of money to get it back to normal again. But don’t let it overwhelm you.  We’ve put together this guide to walk you through…

Floods cause more property destruction than any other type of natural disaster. They can and do happen to anyone at any time, regardless of season and geography. Knowing what to do when you find out that your basement flooded can prevent an inconvenience from becoming a disaster. Here’s what every homeowner needs to know about…

In the United States, the average household can waste up to 10,000 gallons of water each year due to leaks. Given the number of pipes and faucets in your average commercial building, businesses can waste even more water.  Homes and businesses have more than their water bill to worry about though. That water has to…

Does Your Basement Have Water Damage? If left undetected, basement leaks can cause serious and even irreversible damage to your property. While the first signs of trouble are often extremely subtle, checking for these indicators regularly can save you thousands of dollars in repairs. Learn the top 5 signs of basement water damage with help…

How To Dry Out A House After A Flood The Right Way The most important thing to consider before going into a house after a flood is safety.  If you have a significant amount of water in your basement, either call the power company and tell them to disconnect the service or ask an electrician…