Paul Davis Restoration & Remodeling: Offers 6 simple tips for spring home and property maintenance

Milwaukee, Wis. – March 25, 2014 – Paul Davis Restoration and Remodeling of Southeast Wisconsin
is providing consumers with the following tips for spring home and property maintenance and some
challenges that may be faced by home and business owners. Paul Davis is a leading provider of fire,
water and mold damage restoration services for residential and commercial properties.



According to Dan Druml, Paul Davis office owner, there are many areas to inspect and fix after the
severe winter season of 2014. He offers the following recommendations:



1) Divert Water – Check for loose or leaky gutters or clogged downspouts. Make sure downspouts drain
away from the foundation, at least 5 feet, and are clear and free of debris. Existing and new
landscaping projects should divert water away from the property. Improper drainage can lead to water
damage to the foundation or basement.



2) Washing Machine – Inspect your washing machine fill hose and look for cracks that could become
leaks. A leaky hose under pressure can cause major damage in a short period of time. The 5/8″ hose
can pump 10-12 gallons per minute. Consider changing to a no-burst hose to reduce your risk for
damage.



3) Dryer – Clean your dryer vent and inspect the outside exhaust. Not all lint is caught in the lint
trap and can clog the vent. A clear vent will save you money by reducing the time your dryer has to
run. A plugged vent not only less efficient, but can cause a fire. Metal vents are recommended over
plastic.



4) Refrigerator – Vacuum your refrigerator coils. The coils on the bottom or back of your
refrigerator conduct the hot air from inside the unit. If coated with dust they are less efficiently
and cause your fridge to work harder increasing your electric bill. Use a vacuum cleaner hose or a
brush to clean the coils. Also, check the automatic icemaker line for leaks and to ensure a proper
connection to avoid water damage.



5) Sump Pump – Slowly pour water from a 5-gallon bucket into the crock. Observe the sump pump
switch. It should turn on and begin to pump water from the crock. Wait until the water pumps from
the crock to ensure the pump turns itself off, and then slowly pour the remaining water in the crock
to ensure the pump turns on again. Also, consider a battery backup to protect against power outages
which may prevent the sump pump from working properly.



6) Ice Dams – Ice dams can form when a roof that is warmer than the eaves causes snow on the roof to
melt, the water to flow down to the colder eaves, and re-freeze. As this cycle repeats, ice can back
up or “dam” under shingles, allowing water to accumulate behind it. The water can leak through the
roof and cause serious damage to walls, insulation, ceilings, and painted surfaces inside the home
that may only get worse over time.



Druml added that if obvious damage has occurred, consider contacting a restoration professional who
is certified from The Institute of Inspection, Cleaning, and Restoration Certification (IICRC). For
more information, call (414) 383-3131. Visit the website at www.pdwisconsin.com.