Recent Posts

How to Tell if You Have a Hidden Water Leak in Wailuku?

7/23/2024 (Permalink)

A person holds their hand under a faucet with low water pressure. We restore water damage in Hawaii and Maui.

Aloha! Our local Hawaii and Maui teams have been restoring water damage in Wailuku for over twenty years. A common cause of pipe breakage on Maui is ground movement due to seismic activity or soil erosion, leading to stress and eventual breakage of underground pipes. Hidden water leaks can cause significant damage if not detected early. Here are key signs to identify a hidden leak:

  1. Higher Water Bills: A sudden spike in your water bill without increased usage suggests a leak.
  2. Damp or Discolored Areas: Look for water stains, damp patches, or peeling paint on walls, ceilings, and floors.
  3. Musty Odors: Persistent musty smells indicate mold growth, a sign of a hidden leak.
  4. Low Water Pressure: A noticeable drop in water pressure can signal a leak in the plumbing system.
  5. Unusual Sounds: Hearing running water when taps are off suggests a hidden leak.
  6. Warm Spots: Warm spots on the floor can indicate a hot water pipe leak.
  7. Lush Yard Patches: Extra green patches in your yard might point to an underground leak.

If you notice any of these signs, contact a professional to inspect your home. Early detection and repair can prevent extensive damage and save money.

Call Us Today!

When your home or business in Wailuku has water damage from a broken pipe, our local Hawaii and Maui teams are Here to Help. ® Call us today at 808-329-6560. Mahalo!

SERVPRO® franchises are independently owned and operated.

Kailua-Kona Locals Prepare for Hurricane Season?

7/16/2024 (Permalink)

A hurricane approaches Hawaii. We are leaders storm damage restoration services in Hawaii and Maui.

Aloha! Our local Hawaii and Maui teams are also your neighbors! For over twenty years, we have lived and worked alongside Kailua-Kona locals. Here are some proactive steps locals can take to prepare for the hurricane season:

Create an Emergency Kit: Assemble a kit for 7 to 10 days with essential supplies such as water, non-perishable food, medications, first aid supplies, flashlights, batteries, and important documents.

Develop a Family Emergency Plan: Establish a communication plan and determine a safe meeting place.

Stay Informed: Monitor weather reports and updates from reliable sources such as the National Weather Service and local news.

Secure Your Home: Inspect your home for any potential vulnerabilities. Secure loose items in your yard, trim trees and shrubs, and reinforce windows and doors.

Review Insurance Coverage: Ensure your home and property insurance policies are up-to-date and provide adequate coverage for hurricane-related damage.

Prepare an Evacuation Plan: Know the nearest evacuation routes and shelters.

Protect Important Documents: Store important documents such as identification, insurance policies, and medical records in a waterproof container.

Stock Up on Supplies: Ensure you have sufficient supplies of essential items, such as prescription medications, baby supplies, and pet food.

Backup Power Sources: Consider having a generator or alternative power source ready in case of prolonged power outages.

Call Us Today!

When your home or business in Kailua-Kona has a storm damage emergency, our local Hawaii and Maui teams are Here to Help. ® Call us today at 808-329-6560. Mahalo!

SERVPRO® franchises are independently owned and operated.

Top Causes of Commercial Water Damage in Captain Cook?

7/9/2024 (Permalink)

Palm trees are blown over as a tropical storm gathers in the sky. We are leaders in commercial water damage restoration in Hawaii and Maui.

Aloha! For over twenty years, our local Hawaii and Maui teams have lived and worked alongside of Captain Cook locals. We are proud of the support we provide to our business community when water damage strikes. Here are some of the top causes of commercial water damage:

Tropical Storms and Hurricanes: Our susceptibility to severe weather events brings heavy rainfall and strong winds, leading to significant water damage in commercial properties.

Flooding: Coastal and inland flooding, often exacerbated by the state's unique geography and heavy rains, can inundate commercial buildings and cause extensive water damage.

Plumbing Failures: Burst pipes, leaking fixtures, and faulty plumbing systems are common causes of water damage, often resulting in significant disruption and costly repairs.

Roof Leaks: Due to high humidity and frequent rain, roofs can deteriorate faster, leading to leaks that damage the interior of commercial properties.

HVAC Issues: Malfunctioning HVAC systems can cause water damage through leaks and condensation, especially in our warm, humid climate.

Groundwater Seepage: High water tables and porous volcanic soil can lead to groundwater seepage into basements and lower levels of commercial buildings, causing water damage.

Call Us Today!

Water damage can happen at any time. When your commercial business in Captain Cook has a water damage emergency, our local Hawaii and Maui teams are Here to Help. ® Call us today at 808-329-6560. Mahalo!

SERVPRO® franchises are independently owned and operated.

Comprehensive Mold Remediation Service Restores Mold Damage in Kamuela Home?

7/1/2024 (Permalink)

A technician in a hazmat suit disinfects an area damaged by a mold outbreak. We are a top choice for mold remediation services in Hawaii and Maui.

Aloha! Our local Hawaii and Maui teams are trained and certified to restore mold outbreaks in homes and businesses in Kamuela. When dealing with a mold outbreak, the importance of hiring a professional mold remediation team cannot be overstated. A professional team not only removes the mold but also identifies and addresses the source of the moisture that contributed to the mold outbreak, helping prevent future outbreaks. 

Mold can cause significant damage to your property if not addressed quickly. It thrives in damp, warm environments and can rapidly spread through the air, contaminating large areas. A professional remediation team has the expertise and equipment necessary to assess the extent of the mold outbreak and safely remove it. They follow strict guidelines and use advanced techniques, such as HEPA filtration and eco-friendly antimicrobial treatments, to restore the damage safely.

DIY approaches to mold removal often fall short, posing significant risks. Without the proper tools and knowledge, you may not remove all the mold, or worse, you could inadvertently spread spores to other parts of your building, increasing the affected area. Also, handling mold improperly can expose you to toxins, a danger that should not be underestimated.

Call Us Today!

When your home or commercial business in Kamuela has a mold problem, our local Hawaii and Maui teams are Here to Help. ® Call us today at 808-329-6560. Mahalo!

SERVPRO® franchises are independently owned and operated.

Home Fireworks Display Ignites Fire in Kailua-Kona Home?

6/25/2024 (Permalink)

A fireworks display lights up the night sky. We are leaders in fire damage restoration services in Hawaii and Maui.

Aloha! With the 4th of July holiday approaching, our Hawaii and Maui teams offer these fireworks safety tips for Kailua-Kona locals from the National Safety Council:

  • Never allow young children to handle fireworks
  • Older children should use them only under close adult supervision
  • Never use fireworks while impaired by drugs or alcohol
  • Anyone using fireworks or standing nearby should wear protective eyewear
  • Never hold lighted fireworks in your hands
  • Never light them indoors
  • Only use them away from people, houses, and flammable material
  • Never point or throw fireworks at another person
  • Only light one device at a time and maintain a safe distance after lighting
  • Never ignite devices in a container
  • Do not try to re-light or handle malfunctioning fireworks
  • Soak both spent and unused fireworks in water for a few hours before discarding
  • Keep a bucket of water nearby to fully extinguish fireworks that don't go off or in case of fire

Hawaiian Electric offers these fireworks safety tips:

  • Carefully set up and use fireworks in an area clear of overhead power lines
  • Do not string fireworks on utility poles
  • When using a ladder or other tools to string fireworks, stay at least 10 feet away from power lines
  • If an object should become tangled in an overhead power line, don't try to free it. Call our trouble line at: 808-969-6666

Call Us!

When your home or commercial business in Kailua-Kona fire damage, our local Hawaii and Maui teams are Here to Help®. Call us today at 808-329-6560. Mahalo!

SERVPRO® franchises are independently owned and operated.

Mold Discovered Growing Inside Air Conditioning Unit in Kailua-Kona Home?

6/18/2024 (Permalink)

An air conditioning unit is being inspected. We are leaders in mold remediation services in Hawaii and Maui.

Aloha! When you notice a strong, musty odor that you can’t place in your home or business in Kailua-Kona, you may have a hidden mold outbreak. Our Hawaii and Maui teams are highly trained and certified to restore mold damage “Like it never even happened.”

Mold outbreaks in air conditioning units occur due to moisture, organic matter, and stagnant air. Air conditioning systems provide an ideal environment for mold growth as they often generate condensation, especially in humid climates or when the unit is oversized or improperly installed. This moisture, combined with dust and other organic debris accumulating within the system, creates a breeding ground for mold spores.

As air circulates through the unit, mold spores are drawn in and can settle on damp surfaces such as coils, ducts, or drip pans. In the presence of moisture and organic material, mold spores germinate and proliferate, forming colonies that can quickly spread throughout the system.

Regular cleaning, disinfection, and proper drainage and ventilation are essential in preventing mold outbreaks in air conditioning units. By addressing moisture issues and maintaining a clean and well-ventilated system, homeowners can mitigate the risk of mold growth and ensure good indoor air quality.

Call Us Today!

When your home or commercial business in Kailua-Kona has a mold outbreak, our local Hawaii and Maui teams are Here to Help®. Call us today at 808-329-6560. Mahalo!

SERVPRO® franchises are independently owned and operated.

Wet Summer Season Creating Challenging Conditions for Hawi Homeowners?

6/11/2024 (Permalink)

A Japanese-style rain barrel catches rainwater. We restore storm damage 24/7 in Hawaii and Maui.

Aloha! When your home or business in Hawi has water intrusion issues, our Hawaii and Maui teams are on call and ready to respond to your emergency. Here are some ideas for preventing stormwater runoff and protecting your property:

Install Rain Gardens: Rain gardens are shallow depressions planted with native vegetation that help absorb and filter rainwater. By directing runoff into rain gardens, you can reduce water flow across your property and prevent erosion.

Use Permeable Paving: Replace traditional pavement with permeable materials such as gravel, porous concrete, or permeable pavers. These materials allow rainwater to seep into the ground instead of pooling on the surface, causing runoff.

Implement Swales and Berms: Swales are shallow ditches designed to channel and slow the flow of water, while berms are raised mounds of soil that help redirect runoff away from vulnerable areas. Strategic placement of swales and berms can help control runoff and protect your property from damage.

Plant Trees and Shrubs: Trees and shrubs help absorb water and stabilize soil, reducing erosion and runoff. Planting vegetation along slopes and in areas prone to runoff can help protect your property from damage caused by heavy rains.

Call Us Today!

When your home or commercial business in Hawi has flooding damage from heavy rain, our local Hawaii and Maui teams are Here to Help®. Call us today at 808-329-6560. Mahalo!

SERVPRO® franchises are independently owned and operated.

Hilo Home Flooded by Stormwater Runoff?

6/4/2024 (Permalink)

Heavy rain runs off a roof during a storm. We are leaders in flood damage restoration services in Hawaii and Maui.

Aloha! Our Hawaii and Maui teams have the training, equipment, and experience to restore damage from flooding “Like it never even happened.” Situated on the eastern side of the Big Island of Hawaii, Hilo experiences a tropical rainforest climate characterized by abundant rainfall, particularly during the wet season.

The region's steep terrain and volcanic topography further exacerbate the risk of flooding by channeling rainfall rapidly downhill toward lower-lying areas. Hilo's extensive development, including urbanized areas and paved surfaces, also reduces natural infiltration and increases surface runoff during heavy rain events. As a result, stormwater runoff can overwhelm drainage systems, leading to flash flooding in residential neighborhoods, along streams, and in low-lying areas.

Also, Hilo is susceptible to tropical cyclones and hurricanes, which can bring torrential rainfall and exacerbate flooding risks. Effective flood mitigation strategies, including improved drainage infrastructure, land-use planning, and community preparedness, are essential to address and mitigate the impacts of flooding in this area.

Why are we a top choice for storm damage restoration services?

  • 24-Hour Emergency Service
  • Faster to Any-Sized Disaster
  • Highly Trained Technicians
  • A Trusted Leader in the Restoration Industry
  • Advanced Restoration and Cleaning Equipment
  • Independently Owned and Operated

Call Us Today!

When your home or commercial business has flooding damage, our local Hawaii and Maui teams are Here to Help®. Call us today at 808-329-6560. Mahalo!

SERVPRO® franchises are independently owned and operated.

Household Appliance Safety Tips for Wailuku, Maui Locals?

5/28/2024 (Permalink)

A microwave oven is on fire. We restore property damage 24 hours a day in Hawaii and Maui.

Aloha! Our Hawaii and Maui teams restore property damage caused by failed household appliances every year. Some home appliance failures cause water damage, while others cause fire damage. Here are some household safety tips for electric appliances from the National Fire Protection Association:

  • Have all electrical work done by a qualified electrician.
  • When buying or remodeling a home, have it inspected by a qualified private inspector or in accordance with local requirements.
  • Only use one heat-producing appliance (such as a coffee maker, toaster, space heater, etc.) plugged into a receptacle outlet at a time.
  • Major appliances (refrigerators, dryers, washers, stoves, etc.) should be plugged directly into a wall receptacle outlet. Extension cords and plug strips should not be used.
  • Check electrical cords to make sure they are not running across doorways or under carpets. Extension cords are intended for temporary use.
  • Call a qualified electrician or your landlord if you have:
  • Frequent problems with blowing fuses or tripping circuit breakers
  • A tingling feeling when you touch an electrical appliance
  • Discolored or warm wall outlets
  • A burning or rubbery smell coming from an appliance
  • Flickering or dimming lights
  • Sparks from an outlet

Call Us Today!

When your home or commercial business in Wailuku has property damage from a failed household appliance, our local Hawaii and Maui teams are Here to Help®. Call us today at 808-329-6560. Mahalo!

SERVPRO® franchises are independently owned and operated.

Storm Runoff in Kailua-Kona Neighborhood Carries Dangerous Bacteria?

5/21/2024 (Permalink)

Blurred shapes and silhouettes of Palm trees can be seen through a window covered with rain during a rainstorm. We restore storm damage in Hawaii and Maui.

Aloha! When it rains, stormwater runoff can expose locals to dangerous bacteria. Our local Hawaii and Maui teams have the training, protective gear, and specialized equipment to mitigate and safely restore homes exposed to contaminated water, or “black water” in Kailua-Kona.

Heavy rain can carry contaminated water into homes, especially if there are drainage system issues or the ground is already saturated. Contaminated water can come from various sources, such as overflowing sewage systems, agricultural runoff carrying pesticides or animal waste, or industrial pollutants washed into waterways.

When heavy rain occurs, stormwater runoff can pick up these contaminants and bring them into residential areas, potentially infiltrating homes through basements, cracks in foundations, or poorly sealed entry points. This is why homeowners must take measures to protect their homes from water infiltration during heavy rain events, such as ensuring proper drainage systems, sealing cracks, and elevating valuables in basements or low-lying areas.

SERVPRO® Water Damage Restoration Process

Step 1: Emergency Contact

Step 2: Inspection and Damage Assessment

Step 3: Water Removal/Water Extraction

Step 4: Drying and Dehumidification

Step 5: Cleaning and Repair

Step 6: Restoration

Call Us Today!

When your home or commercial business in Kailua-Kona is compromised by water intrusion issues from stormwater runoff, our local Hawaii and Maui are Here to Help. ® Call us today at 808-329-6560. Mahalo!

SERVPRO® franchises are independently owned and operated.