Philadelphia, PA -- (ReleaseWire) -- 09/17/2018 -- Flooding is the number one disaster in America, averaging $3 billion in claims per year. Flooding can be a nightmare to clean up. The worst part is that it isn't even covered unless you have flood insurance. However, a homeowner can install a sump pump that will prevent a home from minor flooding.

What Do They Do?

A sump pump collects water and directs it way from the home. A pump can either be submersible or non-submersible. A submersible unit is below ground while a non-submersible unit is above the basement floor. An experienced and certified plumber would be able to help a homeowner determine which type would be best for their home.

Things to Consider before Installation.

Before installing a sump pump a homeowner should take some things into consideration. A homeowner should consider how much horsepower they want the pump to have. They should make sure that there is a grounded, three-pronged, outlet nearby as the use of an extension cord is not recommended. Perhaps the most important consideration is where to direct the water discharge. Some sump pumps come with back up batteries in case of electrical failure, this should be considered as well.

Benefits of Sump Pumps.

Sump pumps, if working correctly, can reduce the threat of mold and mildew. They also prevent water from short-circuiting or otherwise damaging appliances or electrical components in a home. Having a sump pump in a home could raise the value of the home/property, as it shows the home is structurally sound and at lower risk for mold and mildew.

Can Sump Pumps Fail?

Sump pumps are not invincible and can fail to work. Some causes for the pump to fail are:

- Power Failure. If the pump is plugged in and does not have a backup battery when the electricity goes out, then the pump will not work and will lead to flooding.

- Sump pump is the wrong size. If a sump pump is too large or too small for the home then the pump can malfunction and lead to problems.

- Improper Installation. If the pump was installed incorrectly then the pump can fail leading to the home being flooded.

- Switch Problems. The floatation switch inside of the pump can move if the pump itself shifts. Thus, rendering it ineffective.

- Lack of maintenance. Like any appliance in a home, sump pumps require maintenance. This involves running it if it has not been used. Just to make sure it works properly.

- Frozen of clogged discharge lines. The discharge lines should be checked as well. If the line is clogged or frozen then the pump cannot work effectively.

- Defect. Product defect does occasionally happen.

About First Choice Restoration
First Choice Restoration is a water, mold, fire, and smoke remediation company headquartered in Philadelphia, PA. The company also operates additional offices throughout other areas of Pennsylvania, Maryland, New Jersey, and Delaware. The company has been assisting homeowners and businesses with water, mold, fire, and smoke cleanup for over 40 years.

For more information, please visit http://www.firstchoicerestore.com.

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Philadelphia, PA -- (ReleaseWire) -- 11/02/2017 -- In the aftermath of Summer storms and hurricanes, it may be easy to be fooled by less than professional restoration companies. Emotions run high after a serious storm and a property owner's emotions can get the best of them. A property owner should never hire a "storm chaser", they should always hire trust worthy IICRC certified New Jersey restoration companies to complete storm mitigation work. Storm chasers are firms that try to scam unassuming property owners by doing poor work and charging high prices. Storm chasers, are nomadic and prey on communities impacted by hurricanes and storms.

The following are common traits of shady storm chasers:

1. Requesting large, upfront cash payments: If the restoration company asks for the entire restoration bill upfront, they are probably scam artists. Restoration companies will usually work with adjusters and bill the property owner's insurance company directly (rather than ask for a large upfront payment).

2. Low, too good to be true prices: Storm chasers will sometimes offer low, unrealistic, prices. They will then charge hidden fees after the job is completed. It is best to carefully read and review the company's work authorization before giving anyone permission to work. If the company's prices don't make sense, avoid them at all costs!

3. Lack of training: Storm chasers are not usually licensed in their home state. Mitigation workers need to be trained in licensed by the IICRC to restore properties correctly. A lack of license ensures that the job will be completed poorly. It is wise to ask about a restoration company's credentials before signing any contract.

4. Lack of references: Ask the restoration company to provide a list of at least three satisfied customers. If they can't provide one, then the company is not dependable.

First Choice Restoration in Philadelphia, PA is a trusted restoration company with over forty years' experience, First Choice Restoration is the premier storm remediation company in the tristate area! They can safely restore any storm damaged property. They will first evaluate a property, patch any roof and siding, remove the affected area, and dry the property.

Individuals interested in hiring an established storm remediation company in Camden, NJ can contact First Choice Restoration by visiting their website or by speaking with a customer service representative by calling 800-370-0770. Let First Choice Restoration, be your first choice!

About First Choice Restoration
First Choice Restoration is a water, mold, fire, and smoke remediation company headquartered in Philadelphia, PA. The company also operates additional offices throughout other areas of Pennsylvania, Maryland, New Jersey, and Delaware. The company has been assisting homeowners and businesses with water, mold, fire, and smoke cleanup for over 40 years.

For more information on this press release visit: http://www.releasewire.com/press-releases/release-3.htm

Philadelphia, PA -- (ReleaseWire) -- 05/24/2017 -- A property fire will leave a homeowner devastated for months. During this stressful period, it will become difficult to plan accordingly for the next steps. Although, a fire is an overwhelming situation, the sooner the loss is mitigated, the better.

Prepare first by taking notes of the damaged items. Try to save receipts and create an inventory of all damaged items. Also, make sure to document every correspondence with your insurance company, to ensure there is no miscommunication between parties. Follow the recommended steps bellow during the first few days after your loss.

Following a loss, a property owner should not use any furniture impacted heavily by smoke. It may be intuitive to throw away any impacted furniture, but it is best to keep it to show to the insurance company. Do not attempt to wash impacted walls, leave this to a professional IICRC remediation company. The property owner, must make sure they do not use any computers, televisions, or any other electronic devices until they have been properly inspected and cleaned. Finally, do not use any medications, toiletries, and food that were impacted by the fire. Additionally, these items need to be saved for the insurance company so you can be properly reimbursed.

The next step is to hire a professional and licensed restoration company. A restoration company in Camden, NJ will have the proper licensing requirements and will know the proper techniques to restore your property. They will begin by properly cleaning all the walls, floors, ceilings, and furniture. If need be, they will remove any affected building materials from the premise. Finally, the restoration company will deodorize and disinfect all affected areas.

Property owners can depend on restoration companies such as First Choice Restoration to act as a dependable partner, restore the property to the proper condition, and work to the best level of care. Property owners interested in hiring an established fire and smoke restoration company in the Bucks County, Montgomery County, and Camden County areas can contact First Choice Restoration by visiting their website or by speaking with a customer service representative by calling 800-370-0770. Let First Choice Restoration, be your first choice!

For more information on this press release visit: http://www.releasewire.com/press-releases/release-3.htm

Philadelphia, PA -- (ReleaseWire) -- 02/10/2017 -- House fires are tragic events that can take everything away from the homeowner. From lifelong possessions, family photos, and even beloved pets, fires can destroy lives in an instant. Therefore, it is important to understand certain facts about house fires and learn the proper steps to take immediately following a fire.

Household Fires: The Most Common Structural Fire

Statistically, household fires are the most common structural fires. According to a study conducted in 2014, an estimated average of 358,300 household fires occurred per year between 2010 and 2014. This means that house fires represent three-quarters of all structural fires. The same study revealed that household fires caused $6.7 billion in direct damage and that on average seven people died in house fires per day.

Prevention of Household Fires

Cooking equipment such as ovens are the leading cause of household fires and injuries. Second behind cooking equipment is external heating units. Smoking is the leading cause of home fire deaths. These types of injuries can be prevented with proper maintenance of household appliances. It is important for homeowners to keep their stoves and ovens clean. Grease will accumulate over time and is a highly flammable material. For external heaters, home owners must check for missing grounding prongs. The property owner must make sure they leave the external heater unit off when they leave their home. Finally, smoking is not only a risk to your lungs, it can be a risk to your home as well. Quitting smoking now can not only prevent future health complications, but could potentially prevent a costly house fire.

Steps to Take After a Fire

Once the fire is extinguished, the homeowner may naively believe that the home is now safe. However, this couldn't be further from the truth. The home needs immediate attention after a fire and hiring a professional fire restoration company from King of Prussia, PA is the only way to get your home back to normal. After a fire is extinguished ash and smoke will cause powerful odors, corrosion, etching, and discoloration of walls.

What Will a Remediation Company Do?

The remediation company will first identify the source of odor and affected materials. An untrained homeowner cannot do the cleanup themselves, since ash residue is difficult to clean. Ash needs to be removed immediately. It is best to hire an IIRC Certified Remediation company, since they know the correct techniques for mitigating fire damage. In addition to removing odor, remediation companies can restore and clean smoke affected items. It is important to note, that the homeowner must hire a restoration company as soon as possible. If a professional team is not hired immediately after a fire loss, the property owner could be hit with an even larger financial burden. A savvy homeowner will make sure to call a Turnersville, NJ restoration company after a house fire. If the damage isn't mitigated immediately the costs of repairs will be unaffordable for most property owners. For example, a smoke damaged wall needs attention right away, or else it will become permanently discolored.

Individuals interested in hiring an established fire and smoke restoration company in the Bucks County, Montgomery County, and Camden County areas can contact First Choice Restoration by visiting their website or by speaking with a customer service representative by calling 800-370-0770. Let First Choice Restoration, be your first choice!

About First Choice Restoration
First Choice Restoration is a water, mold, fire, and smoke remediation company headquartered in Philadelphia, PA. The company also operates additional offices throughout other areas of Pennsylvania, Maryland, New Jersey, and Delaware. The company has been assisting homeowners and businesses with water, mold, fire, and smoke cleanup for over 40 years.

For more information on this press release visit: http://www.releasewire.com/press-releases/release-3.htm