Worried About Plumbing Overflow In Your Home in Austin? Read This

Water Damage austin texas

One of the most damaging things in homes and businesses today is plumbing overflow and the flooding it can cause. Here at The Steam Team, we want to help you fully understand the dangers of plumbing overflow, what steps you should take, and how we can help.

Damage From Plumbing Overflow

Whether you have tile, carpet, or wood floors, you probably already know that water will damage your floors. But water can also damage the subfloor underneath your flooring if it isn’t cleaned up soon enough. With spills this is easy to do, but in the case of plumbing overflow you won’t be able to prevent the water damage, and the floor and subfloor may need to be removed. In cases where the plumbing overflow occurred on a second or third story, the water may leak through the floor and drip from the ceiling of the lower floor, causing further damage to whatever surface it lands on.

Having your home damaged is awful enough, but unchecked plumbing overflow can also cause serious health risks. If the floors are wet, keep that in mind and take all precautions so that you can try not to slip if you must walk on the wet floor. Also, be sure to stay away from any electrical outlets that may have gotten wet, as they might electrocute you.

Dangers of Mold

Unchecked plumbing overflow can also cause mold to grow in certain places. It can happen anywhere dark with just a little bit of moisture, and it can quickly become a health hazard for anyone in the home.

When it comes to mold growth, but also floor damage and the other jobs required when you have plumbing overflow in your home, The Steam Team can help you! Our professional technicians are trained to use high-powered technology and expert methods to fix all of your plumbing overflow problems. For more information on how we can help, please visit The Steam Team website.

A Few Great Tips For Keeping Natural Stone Clean

Marble Cleaning

The authentic, beautiful look of natural stone makes a great addition to any home or business. Whether you use it as flooring, a countertop or even as your walls, there’s nothing quite like the look of natural stone. As with any flooring, countertop, wall or any other surface, natural stone has its own unique maintenance needs. Here at The Steam Team, we have professionals with all the expertise on how to clean your home or business, so today, we’re going to talk about how to best clean natural stone.

First Steps

If you’re cleaning the stone yourself, here are a few simple tasks you can start with. Sweeping and some light mopping are a great way to clean the surface. If you must use a vacuum rather than a broom, make sure there are no cracked or broken parts on the bottom of the vacuum that could damage your stone. When you mop the stone, just be sure you’re using a cleaning solution that is approved for natural stone. These simple first steps will make a big difference.

Intermediate Cleaning

Now for the more detailed stuff. This involves stain removal and grout cleaning, which is far too often neglected, leaving the grout to build up with dirt and damage the floor, or leaving stains that never go away. When it comes to this step, remember again to only use products approved for natural stone.

Thorough Professional Cleaning

When you need to deeply clean your natural stone (maybe the grout and stains are just too difficult for the methods you’re using), call in a professional. Here at The Steam Team we have all the right equipment and expertise for the job. And you can rest assured that when The Steam Team cleans your floors (or other surfaces), you won’t have to worry about your natural stone being damaged. So what are you waiting for? Visit The Steam Team website and give us a call today.

Oriental Rugs: The Importance of Proper Care

Our rug cleaning crew our supporting Austin Pets Alive.

Oriental rugs are beautiful, elegant additions to your home, but investing in such delicate, handmade artistry means you’ll need to take extra caution while caring for them! But don’t worry- if the task is ever too daunting (or too inconvenient) The Steam Team is always standing by, ready to help. In the meantime, here are a few helpful guidelines to caring for oriental rugs: 

Preventing Wear & Tear

Keep an eye on your pets, especially cats and puppies, who might try to scratch or chew on the rug. Give your pets fun alternatives, like a scratching post or a durable chew toy, and make sure their exercise and activity needs are met, to avoid destructive behavior. If one of your pets has an accident on the rug, take the rug to a professional cleaner. 

If you would like to use a rug pad for extra protection, try to find one made of polyester. Avoid rubber pads, which can become gummy over time and stick to the flooring underneath. 

Take your shoes off before walking on the rug, or get in the habit of leaving your street shoes at the door and wearing only dedicated house slippers. 

Rotate the rug 180 degrees once every few months or so. This is to ensure even fading from natural light. If the rug is in a spot that gets direct sunlight, try to minimize UV damage by installing curtains or blinds. 

Cleaning 

Vacuum regularly with the nozzle attachment. Avoid using any brush attachments or rollers on the rug, which can damage the fibers. Occasionally vacuum the back of the rug, too.   

In the event of a spill, blot—don’t scrub—with a white paper towel or cloth. If it’s a stain that water alone can’t remove, take your rug to a professional rug cleaner. 

Call the Professionals

And finally, it’s important to have your rug professionally cleaned every few years, to remove built-up dust, grime, and staining! Give The Steam Team a call today. You won’t be disappointed in our results!

The Unknown Dangers of Smoke and Ash

We often stress the importance of ridding mold after water damage, but you rarely hear about the “residuals” from fire damage. Smoke and ash can both pose dangerous risks to one's health so it’s extremely important that the area is restored properly. Here at The Steam Team, we have a team of expert professional technicians ready to help when disaster strikes 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

Leftover smoke and ash are dangerous because they… 

Damage Your Possessions

Sadly, after a house fire, your possessions will not feel, look, or smell the same. In some situations they might be completely ruined. Here at The Steam Team, we understand that this is definitely a trying time for you, so we’ll be right there to back you up throughout this entire process. 

Damage Your Health

Your health is the most important factor here. Obviously, lingering smoke and ash pose a danger to your health and wellbeing. So put on those masks, ventilate the area, and call in The Steam Team! We’ll get your home cleaned up and restored in no time. And yes, we’ll protect your health. We’ll get you out of there! 

Damage Your Home

Lastly, lingering smoke and ash cause damage to your entire home. Smoke causes discoloration, staining, and of course- that unfriendly stench. It clings to your drapes, furniture, and carpeting. It should be tended to immediately! So hurry up! Give The Steam Team a call. We’re experts when it comes to situations like this. 

We’ll say it over and over again: we’re here for you. We know how terrible house fires can be, the plight they put on the homeowner, but we also know how to remedy the situation. So put your trust in us; we can help you out of this mess! 

3 Reasons to Handle Plumbing Overflow Immediately

Plumbing overflow is no matter to be taken lightly. If you have plumbing overflow in your home, it’s important that you act fast. Here are three reasons as to why you should take care of plumbing overflow immediately! And as always, don’t be afraid to rely on The Steam Team for guidance.

Prevent Mold Growth

It only takes twenty four hours for mold to begin to grow and spread. Mold is notorious for taking over homes and harming the health of those who inhabit them. If you spot mold growing in your home, contact the professionals immediately! It needs to be addressed as soon as possible. This is probably one of the most important factors when dealing with plumbing overflow.

You Might Not Know...

We don’t mean any offense by this, but you might not know what you’re dealing with! This is no DIY project. You could potentially cause more damage just by trying to help. If ever the problem seems to be out of your hands, don’t hesitate to call in The Steam Team. The Steam Team has over a decade of experience in dealing with plumbing overflow and cleanup; let us do the leg work for you!

You Might Need the Professionals

As we mentioned before, you might need the help of the professionals, like The Steam Team.  A professional cleaning and restoration company will be able to take your hairy situation and turn it into one that works for you once again!

Call The Steam Team today or log online to view our list of services and gather more information! We’re always standing by (literally, 24/7) and would love to help restore your home to its original condition. All it takes is one phone call! We’re not just here for plumbing overflow; we’re here for almost anything.

Restoring Water Damage from Overflow by the Professionals

Flooding occurs in all kinds of places from your home to your workplace. No matter its size, water damage is both dangerous and difficult to handle. The Steam Team has been voted best in Austin, TX for cleaning and restoration services. We’re available twenty four hours a day, seven days a week, to help with anything from carpet and tile cleaning, to overflow cleanup.

Whether a pipe burst, an appliance broke, or a plumbing fixture is overflowing- we’re here to help you with your water damage restoration.

Plumbing Overflow

Plumbing overflow is never fun to deal with- who wants to think about all of that bacteria, anyway? That’s why we’re here. Our professional technicians ensure that any plumbing overflow is removed, sanitized, and your home is restored to its original condition.

Appliance Leaks & Overflow

As far as flooding goes, this one is pretty common. Appliances often pose a risk for flooding when not properly maintained. It’s not just our kitchen appliances that can cause water damage to our homes. Don’t forget about your washing machine, AC unit, and your water heater. That’s right- it’s best to routinely monitor any appliances that hold or filter water- but, of course, we know how quickly and easily life takes over. It can be easy to forget about those potential leaky appliances… until we’re calling The Steam Team, right?

Call in the Professionals

Our team of trained professionals will assess the damage, and offer assistance with whatever may be causing the overflow. Once the leak is repaired and the water is extracted, we’ll thoroughly clean, sanitize, and dry the area with our professional-grade equipment. Problem solved! The Steam Team is ready and willing to help you cleanup any type of overflow and water damage, regardless of the cause. Give us a call today for any of your restoration needs!

Fire, Smoke, and Ash: Eliminating Any Dangers in Austin Texas

House fires are more common than you might think, they’re actually pretty easy to start. No matter where they occur or how they occur, the damage left behind is always devastating and difficult to deal with. We completely understand how stressful and emotionally draining these situations are; that’s why we’re here to help! The Steam Team is specially trained and equipped to handle fire damage restoration and help families restore their homes to their original condition. Visit out Austin, Texas store at 9901 Burnet Road. 

The scariest part about fire damage is how dangerous smoke and ash can be to your health if left behind after clean up. That’s also the number one reason you should call the professionals and wear protective gear before re-entering your house.

Ventilation

Ventilation is extremely important after fire damage to ensure that all of the smoke exits the house. If anything is left behind, you could be dealing with smoke inhalation and the health dangers that follow -- don’t take the risk! Opening all windows, doors, and even running fans around the house could work wonders in moving the smoke outside.

Call in The Professionals

You’ll need a professional cleaning and restoration company to help you remedy the situation, and The Steam Team is perfect for the job! Our team of trained professionals will assess the damage and begin cleanup immediately. We’ll also inspect your property for structural damage, as well as smoke and ash damage just in case.

Where there’s fire or water damage involved, it can be a dangerous situation for those who don’t take the proper safety precautions. It’s always recommended to call in professionals to ensure that everyone is properly taken care of. When it comes to disastrous situations, The Steam Team is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week for emergency service situations!

3 Steps After Water Damage Austin Texas

Flood Damge

With the recent devastation in Texas, homeowners are having to deal firsthand with water damage. Homes are flooded with water so high it’s historical- and roads, too. Water damage is the cause of mold, loss of important possessions, structural damage, and the list goes on and on… sadly. We were voted best in water damage in Austin. If you’re experiencing water damage in your home, give the professionals a call immediately, and follow these three initial steps:

Turn Off the Power

Here’s what you should do first: Immediately cut off the gas and electricity from its main source. This is for rather obvious safety matters. Luckily, you’re safer around puddles and leaks (turning off the power isn’t as necessary here), but if you’re already in standing water, don’t touch it; it could be dangerous. Consult with an electrician first!

Check for Standing Water

As soon as the scene is safe, survey the damage and check for any standing water, and then begin to pump it out. Standing water is notorious for causing damage and growing mold. Wear safety masks and of course, high quality boots. Flood waters are filled with debris and dangerous substances that we shouldn’t be wading around in, but unfortunately, sometimes we have to. We are #1 in water damage in Austin, Texas! 

Call the Professionals

The Steam Team is your leading professional steam cleaner in the Austin area, and we’ve been serving the city for over a decade now. We have plenty of experience with flood damage and cleaning up after natural disasters. If your home has been affected by the recent flood waters, don’t hesitate to give us a call. We’re always available to help you out, and we truly care about our customers. Give us a call as soon as possible! If you have water damage in Austin call us now at 512-451-8326. We provide professional water damage service. 

Steam Team: All About Overflow Cleanup in Austin, Texas

Water & Fire Damage Contents Storage Austin, Texas

The Steam Team has been voted best in Austin, TX for cleaning and restoration services. We’re available twenty four hours a day, seven days a week, to help with anything from carpet and tile cleaning, to overflow cleanup. Let’s go over the services we offer when it comes to overflow- whether it be from your sinks, appliances, or toilets!

Plumbing Overflow

Whether it’s your business or residential home, we understand how stressful it can be when the pipes burst and the floors are flooded with water. That’s only one reason why we’re available 24/7- so that you don’t have to wait or worry. We can help with any severity of water damage by assessing the damage, sanitizing the area, restoring any structural damage, all the while carefully monitoring the entire process.

Appliance Leaks

This one is pretty common, friends! Of course, it’s best to routinely monitor any appliances that hold or filter water- but we know how quickly and easily life takes over. We forget about those potential leaky appliances… until we’re calling The Steam Team, right?

Our team of trained professionals will assess the damage, and offer assistance with appliances such as your washing machine, dishwasher, refrigerator, sink, AC unit, and your water heater. Once the leak is repaired and the water is extracted, we’ll thoroughly clean, sanitize, and dry the area with our professional-grade equipment. Problem solved!

Sink & Drain Overflow

Sink and drain overflow could be caused by a clogged sink, backed up garbage disposal, or a busy, multitasking homeowner who’s forgotten to turn the faucet off- oops! We’ve all been there.

Even if you discover the issue in the middle of the night- we’ll be there to help you clean, sanitize, and dry the affected area.

The Steam Team is ready and willing to help you cleanup any type of overflow and water damage, regardless of the appliance. Don’t be shy- give us a call!

The Best Time of the Year to Clean Your Floors

Janitorial Cleaning Downtown Austin

When you decide to have your floors professionally cleaned for the first time, it’s a big deal.  It means you’re ready to fully eradicate the germs, allergens, and dust mites around your home, and you know the professionals are the best ones for the job. Well done!

But now that you’re following through with a professional treatment, you’re bound to have questions! What kind of treatment should be used? Which areas of the house are priority? And most of all, when should the professionals come?

Don’t worry- The Steam Team has answers. Below, we’ll discuss a few deciding factors to consider when scheduling a professional cleaning.

How Are Your Allergies?

If there’s one thing carpets are good at, it’s holding in allergens and pet dander. If you’re prone to sneezing fits, itchy eyes, and other telltale allergy symptoms, we recommend having your floors cleaned after Thanksgiving. Allergens are insufferable this time of year.

With The Steam Team’s help, you can avoid a winter of runny noses!

How Heavy is the Foot Traffic?

With frequent family gatherings, Christmas parties, and other get togethers, the holidays typically bring on an excess amount of foot traffic. Whether it’s Grandpa’s trailing pipe smoke, or your sister’s puppy who’s not-so-housetrained, once the festivities are over, your carpet will need a touch of tender loving care.

What’s on the Calendar?

Timing is different for everybody. Are you having a guest staying for a while in February? Are you considering putting your house on the market in the spring? Thinking of your future timeline can help you pick the perfect time to clean the floors what will be most worth your while.

This holiday season, give your home the gift of freshly steam cleaned carpeting. Santa- we mean, The Steam Team insists!

Commercial Cleaning: Keeping Your Restrooms Clean

Commercial Cleaning The Steam Team

Restrooms can sometimes be a harsh reality. In order to continuously keep commercial restrooms clean and sanitary, it’s likely that you’ll have to implement systems or bring in outside help.

Bringing in Outside Help

Deep Cleaning

One of the most common complaints with cleaning high-traffic restrooms is keeping the tile and grout clean. In some cases, this could on the floor, backsplash, or even countertops. Grout can be especially difficult to clean around moisture, but steam cleaning will undoubtedly do the trick.

Targeting Trouble Areas

Of course the tile and grout aren’t the only areas that need attention around the bathroom - especially with how damage-prone the environment already is (from the constant waterflow). Cleaning around the bathroom becomes much more efficient when you target the sinks, floors, counters, toilets, trash cans, etc.

Additionally, if you take preventive measures to keep these target areas from collecting grime, you’ll find that a deep clean can turn a sort-of clean restroom into a room that looks brand-spanking-new!

Cover Every Surface

Last, but certainly not least, don’t leave any surface behind! When you make sure to touch every surface before leaving the restroom, you’re guaranteed a spotless environment.

Now, remember when we talked about bringing in outside help? That’s really the secret to ensuring that your commercial restrooms are continuously spotless. It’s not as daunting as you may think - in fact, it’ll take a huge stress off of your shoulders!

Are you looking for a commercial cleaning company? We’d love to take a look at your office! Give us a call, here at The Steam Team, today.

3 Tips for Keeping Your Office Clean

cleaning 

We all have that one coworker who never seems to clean up after themselves. Their desk is covered in misplaced papers and half-finished projects, and after lunch hour, “their spot,” at the break room table is the grossest out of everyone’s. The cleaning crew comes each night, but during your shift, it can really become unsightly! Here are a few tips for keeping your office cleaner this quarter.

1. Routinely Clean Desks, Workstations, and Counter Tops

You’ve gotta start somewhere, so let that be the place you spend the most of your time at: your desk, your workstation, your spot at the breakroom table. Keep these areas spotless. Use Lysol or another disinfectant (hopefully they’re on hand) to clean these areas before you work/eat. Also try not to eat your lunch at your desk. This will prevent unnecessary crumbs and goop from collecting in your workspace.

1. Establish a Filing and Storage System

Do yourself a favor and establish a system for filing and storage! It can be far more difficult to stay productive within a messy, chaotic work environment. Use file cabinets, baskets, folders, bins; there are dozens of ways to organize your projects and paperwork. Choose a day out of the week (or multiple days if needed) to routinely catch up on organization.

1. Frequently Throw Away Trash

Lastly, never let your trash build up. Keep your trash bins tidy and empty them in the middle of the shift if needed. Also keep food wrappers and throwaways in the break room trash can. The last thing you want is for ants to find your office trash bin…

If your office is in need of a thorough, deep cleaning, contact your professional cleaning and restoration company! Professionals like us, The Steam Team, are well-equipped with the tools and expertise to help your office shine!