Recent General Posts

Water Heater Maintenance Tips

5/17/2022 (Permalink)

Though a water heater’s typical expected life is 10-12 years, they can experience problems early on if not properly maintained. Water heater maintenance can extend the longevity of the device while helping prevent the likelihood of catastrophic failure that causes damage. 

Tip #1: Frequently Flush The Unit

Even while a water heater is not in use, it stores water. If a water heater is not flushed annually mineral deposits may begin building up in the unit. This can cause a plethora of issues as the deposits can build and grow until the unit runs into problems.  As the deposits buildup, they begin stifling the heating elements of the unit, causing it to be less effective in retaining heat. 

To flush your water heater, you need to turn off its source of power first, whether it is gas-powered or electric. Connect a garden hose to the spigot of the unit and place the end outside or in a safe area to flush the water out. Before opening the spigot, start a faucet nearby to help create better flow in the system. 

Tip #2: Lower Temperature

A simple water heater maintenance tip is to lower the temperature level of the unit. Lowering the temperature can help:

  • Reduce the chance of being scolded 
  • Decrease utility bills 
  • Prolong the life of the unit

Higher temperatures can cause quicker wear and tear on the unit. The Department of Energy recommends setting the temperature to 120 degrees Fahrenheit to help reduce energy usage. The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) also recommends having the temperature set to 120 degrees Fahrenheit to prevent accidental scalding.

Tip #3: Frequently Check The Pressure Relief Valve

Another quick and easy water heater maintenance tip is checking the pressure relief valve. If a water heater’s pressure builds, it can cause a catastrophic failure that may lead to the unit itself exploding. 

You can accomplish this by turning off the power source of the unit and the cold water supply valve. Place a bucket under the pressure release valve and drain the pressure using the valve tab. Once the pressure buildup is gone, the water will stop draining. 

The Differences Between Renters and Homeowners Insurance

5/17/2022 (Permalink)

Insurance is an important asset in our world. We insure our lives, our vehicles, even our plane tickets. But insuring our homes is one of the most important and necessary things we can do. Whether you are a renter looking to buy a home or a homeowner considering renting, being fully insured is vital.

Below are the differences between homeowners insurance and renters insurance to ensure you are in the know.

Renters Insurance

First and foremost, renters insurance is designed for anyone who is renting an apartment, a home, a townhome or a condo. The purpose of renters insurance is to protect all personal property in the event of damage from environmental hazards like water damage, fire and more. Note: in order to receive coverage on all of your personal items, it is vital to keep an up-to-date record of significant belongings.

Though renters insurance is remarkably less expensive than homeowners insurance, it is necessary simply to cover and replace personal belongings. With the average personal property worth coming in at over $30,000 per person, replacing these belongings without insurance can be incredibly burdensome.

Homeowners Insurance

Like renters insurance, homeowners insurance covers personal property and the physical structure itself in the event of damage or destruction. Coverage rates are based off of the size and quality of the home (i.e. year it was built, structural materials, appliances etc.) and obtaining an insurance policy is mandatory. Homeowners insurance is required not only to protect you and your home, but also to ensure safety and coverage for your neighbors and the surrounding area. 

Another factor that homeowners need to consider when purchasing insurance is the possible existence of the local homeowners association (HOA) and their requirements and regulations on insurance coverage. For homes within an HOA, insurance coverage must meet the needs of the association as well as any added personal coverage. If you’re unsure of what exact policy to purchase discuss the options with your personal insurance agent. 

Note on Property Policy

Whether you are a renter or a homeowner, it is vital to protect yourself and your home from earthquakes and floods, both of which are NOT typically covered in any type of property insurance. This is often overlooked in the policy or assumed it is automatically included. The National Flood Insurance Program is the only company though which to purchase flood insurance and several individual companies nation wide offer earthquake protection like Property Casualty Insurers Association of America and California Earthquake Authority. 

Flood Insurance: Do I Need It?

5/17/2022 (Permalink)

Only about 20 percent of homeowners carry flood insurance, and the majority of those who do are required to because they live in a federally designated flood zone. So why do so many people decide to go without flood insurance?

There is a difference between a flood and water damage. A flood is defined by the NFIP as, A general and temporary condition of partial or complete inundation of two or more acres of normally dry land area or of two or more properties (at least one of which is your property) from overflow of inland or tidal waters, from unusual and rapid accumulation or runoff of surface waters from any source, or from mudflow.”

Basically, a flood is a large event that affects at least several acres or at least two properties. Water damage is everything else—busted water pipes, rain that gets through a hole in the roof, etc. Your home insurance policy may cover water damage, but you won’t be protected in the case of a flood unless you have extra flood insurance through the NFIP.

Is Flood Insurance Really Necessary, Even if I Don't Live in a Flood Zone?

Over a quarter of homes that experience flood damage are located outside of the federally designated high-risk flood zones. That’s because there are virtually zero homes in the U.S. that are completely safe from floods—torrential rain and extreme weather conditions can strike anywhere.

If you live in an area with a low risk of flooding, then the good news is that you’ll pay much less for coverage than someone who lives in a high-risk zone. 

Happy to Service Our Senior Citizens!

5/20/2019 (Permalink)

Always Happy to Serve Our Elderly Community!

SERVPRO of Hollywood Hills/Los Feliz is proud to say that we have been working with Sunrise Senior Living homes for 5+ years now! We are happy to provide service to them all across Southern California, handling all of their remediation 24 hours round the clock, whether it be water, fire, or mold. We take great care and responsibility to make sure our senior citizens are cared for.

We Help Pack Out and Pack In Your Home!

5/16/2019 (Permalink)

Ready to help, however, whenever!

Here at SERVPRO of Hollywood Hills and Los Feliz, we are always available to help pack out your home or business while we are servicing it! Our SERVPRO technicians will load all items that may be in the way of a job, remediate them if need be, and pack them back in after the job is done. All while we stress taking great care of our clients and their belongings alike.

Otherwise, make sure if you have any questions or concerns call us at (323) 667-3100