Water Damage in Winter

12/11/2023 (Permalink)

Modern plumbing systems have made accessing running water in homes a straightforward task. It allows residents to engage in everyday activities like bathing, washing, or enjoying a glass of iced tea directly from the tap. Despite these conveniences, unexpected plumbing incidents can turn this luxury into an unanticipated problem.

Whether residing in a house or a condominium, harsh winter conditions, especially during extreme temperatures, pose a significant risk of water damage. Failing to address frozen pipes in cold weather can lead to cracks and ruptures, causing water to overflow into different areas of the home.

The consequences of water damage unfold swiftly, causing floorboards to warp and infiltrating porous materials like sheetrock and drywall. Addressing the issue promptly is crucial to prevent further damage. In the unfortunate event of such damage, seeking professional help is recommended. Companies like SERVPRO have the expertise to mitigate both structural and cosmetic water damage efficiently.

SERVPRO® Technicians take necessary precautions to ensure the safe execution of their work. Properly assessing the damage involves considering factors like the extent of moisture and the types of materials involved, such as carpet, insulation, wood floors, and baseboards. Additionally, the layout of the room, including walls, windows, cabinets, and closets, is taken into account to determine the optimal placement and number of air movers. The correct angle of equipment is also crucial, ensuring that air effectively carries away moisture without bouncing off walls.

The mantra "We’re Faster To Any Size Disaster" is not merely a slogan for SERVPRO; it defines their commitment. With technicians available 24/7, ready to respond promptly, residents experiencing water damage in their homes are encouraged to contact SERVPRO without delay.

Your Home is Your Biggest Investment

11/18/2023 (Permalink)

Your home is more than likely the biggest investment that you will ever make and one that holds a lifetime of memories.

What happens if you wake up to see 2 inches of water in your kitchen?  What would you do?  Do you know who you would call?

We are SERVPRO® of Branch and South Calhoun and we have been serving homeowners and businesses like you since 1967.  

As a leader in the field of water damage repair and restoration, our crews are trained to help you when disaster strikes, they will help walk you through the drying process and help to make it #LikeItNeverEvenHappened.

If disaster strikes your home, be sure to remember to call SERVPRO® of Branch and South Calhoun at 517-278-9561

#SERVPRO9451 #NoWorries #SERVPRO

Water Damage Cleanup & Hot Water Repairs

1/6/2022 (Permalink)

Contact SERVPRO today! We are faster to any disaster and we can make it "Like it never even happened."

Wet spots on the floor or a rusted tank may signal a problem. Your hot-water heater could have a leak or a busted valve. If you are having a problem with your hot-water heater, contact a qualified plumbing contractor right away.

Once you have called a plumbing contractor then contact SERVPRO of Branch & South Calhoun Counties to provide an inspection utilizing advanced technical equipment. Upon inspection if damages are determined SERVPRO of Branch & South Calhoun Counties will address the water damage and provide a full repair service estimate. SERVPRO  has a 24 hour emergency service team that is highly trained and ready to help you at your home or business.

Contact SERVPRO today! We are faster to any disaster and we can make it "Like it never even happened."

Call SERVPRO When It Comes To Cleaning & Protecting Your Carpets

1/5/2022 (Permalink)

The benefits of carpet cleaning are numerous, but knowing who can be trusted is not always easy.

Carpet cleaning is important to maintaining the overall comfort and monetary value of a property. Any type of flooring is an investment for the property owner. Keeping the investment in the best shape takes a professional, but without proper certification, the consumer cannot be guaranteed of proper education and training on updated techniques used in maintaining the value of the flooring. There are health concerns that can arise from any unsanitary environment, and it can be surprising to learn what survives in and under the flooring. Allergens that are left behind can lead to serious health problems for family members and even household pets. Proper techniques can reduce or eliminate allergens in the environment, improving the health of the occupants. Great strides have been made in technologies used in carpet-care. Today there are only a few basic wet and dry methodologies accepted by the industry leaders. Ensuring consistently high standards means understanding how the certifying body works to guarantee better results at lower costs. Proper maintenance begins with regular vacuuming using a high-powered machine. Over time normal wear and tear leads to a dull, soiled appearance. Proper maintenance by the occupants can help keep the flooring looking good, but there comes a time when a certified technician has to be called to get to the really deep grime a normal household vacuum can miss.

While regular maintenance is beneficial to the healthfulness and attractiveness of a home or office, a certified technician is necessary to take care of the really deep jobs regular vacuuming misses. Consumers often find it difficult to choose a professional company for those important household chores. The benefits of carpet cleaning are numerous, but knowing who can be trusted is not always easy.

That's where we come in....Just give us a call (517) 278-5261 and we'll help you in any way that we can, whether that be by offering our carpet cleaning services or just answering any questions you may have.

SERVPRO Can Help Get Control Over Hidden Water Damage

1/4/2022 (Permalink)

Our technicians At SERVPRO of Branch and South Calhoun are always ready to check out problems and offer solutions.

Getting control over hidden damages

Do you know that water leaks can highly affect the sale of your home? What's more, they can be a concern for new home buyers. However, most homeowners are usually unaware of the hidden leaks. With cracked pipes, leaking spigot and broken seals water will easily creep into some places it isn't meant to go. The end results will be more visible damages which include rot, damaged flooring, and blistered paint.

A minor water leak can increase your repair bills. But the good news is that you can easily prevent such situations. Noticing a sagging ceiling above your dining room table is easier. When looking for water damages you have to remember that these damages rarely turn up at the water source.

Some damages to expect

- Mold and mildew growth. With water leaks, you should also expect an unhealthy environment.

- Permanent water damages to carpets, wood, wallpapers, furnishing and paint. 

- Contaminated systems – including the ductwork. 

- Insulation and drywall which need replacement and removal. 

- If there is water trapped somewhere in your house, poor airflow will become a major problem.

But don't worry, our technicians At SERVPRO of Branch and South Calhoun are always ready to check out problems and offer solutions.

Did You Know? SERVPRO Is IICRC Certified

12/29/2021 (Permalink)

SERVPRO of Branch & South Calhoun is an IICRC firm.

What is IICRC?

The Institute of Inspection, Cleaning and Restoration Certification (IICRC) creates the standards for the restoration industry and provides training and certification to restoration companies. IICRC Certified Firms have the right to display the IICRC Certified Logo.

The IICRC Develops The Standards For The Restoration Industry

The IICRC has been the driving force in establishing the main industry standards and reference guides for professional carpet cleaning, water damage restoration and mold remediation. These IICRC standards take years to develop and require the coordination of experts in the field: manufacturers, industry organizations, insurance professionals, training schools, contractors, and public health professionals.

Every five years, the standards are reviewed and updated. The water damage restoration field changes rapidly with advancements in technology and science, and therefore the standards must evolve to keep pace.

SERVPRO Is Here To Help When Water Damage From Contaminated Water Happens!

12/29/2021 (Permalink)

If you're not sure if it's contaminated water please call SERVPRO to check it out instead of inspecting it yourself. Call today 517-278-5261

Sewage back-ups can happen to anyone! Here are a few Do's and Don'ts to keep you safe until SERVPRO can get there to assist you with cleanup.

  DO:

• Avoid all contact with sewage and items contaminated from sewage.
• Wash your hands thoroughly after contact with contaminated items.

DON’T:

• Spread contaminated water by walking unnecessarily on damaged or wet areas.
• Turn on the HVAC system if there is a possibility of spreading contaminated air.
• Use household fans to dry the structure and spread contaminants.
• Use products for personal hygiene and cleanliness if exposed to the contaminated areas.

Toilets are not the only source of a sewage back-up, back-ups can also happen in bath tubs and drains in the basement. If you're not sure if it's contaminated water please call SERVPRO to check it out instead of inspecting it yourself. Call today 517-278-5261

SERVPRO Is Your 24 Hour Emergency Water Damage Service

11/29/2021 (Permalink)

We Answer the Phone Ready to Help Call Today (800) 630-7119

SERVPRO of Branch & South Calhoun is available 24 hours a day for water emergencies, large or small. When you are dealing with water damage, immediate action is crucial. A delay of just a few hours can greatly increase the severity of the water damage.

We Answer the Phone Ready to Help
Call Today (800) 630-7119

We understand that when you call us, you may be feeling confused, stressed, and vulnerable. You need an expert to guide you through this crisis. SERVPRO of Branch & South Calhoun has the specific water damage training and experience to help you through this tough time. We specialize in water damage restoration—in fact, it's the cornerstone of our business.

What to Expect

When you call, we will ask several questions regarding your water damage emergency. These questions will help us determine what equipment and resources to bring, including how many trained SERVPRO Professionals may be needed.

Our SERVPRO Representative will ask several questions:

• Your name and contact information
• Your insurance information (if applicable)
• The street address of the water-damaged home or business
• When did the flooding or water damage occur?
• What caused the water damage (if known)?
• Is there electricity available (on-site)?

About SERVPRO of Branch & South Calhoun

SERVPRO of Branch & South Calhoun specializes in the cleanup and restoration of residential and commercial property after a fire, smoke or water damage event. Our staff is highly trained in property damage restoration. From initial and ongoing training at SERVPRO’s corporate training facility to regular IICRC-industry certification, rest assured our staff is equipped with the knowledge to restore your property.

Three Types of Contaminated Water: Yucky, Yuckier & Yuckiest!

12/29/2020 (Permalink)

Did you know that SERVPRO also cleans up sewage backups?

Sewer backups should be considered an emergency since the water may contain viruses, bacteria, and other microbes that cause serious illnesses. SERVPRO has specialized training and equipment to quickly and safely clean contaminants like sewage.

Water damage can be classified by the three types of contaminated water. SERVPRO technicians will inspect your home or business to determine the appropriate plan of action for the type of water encountered.

The three types of contaminated water:

Category 1: "Clean Water"

Category 1 water is from a clean source like a broken water supply line or leaking faucet. If not treated quickly, this water can turn into category 2 or 3, depending on length of time, temperature, and contact with surrounding contaminants.

• Water from a clean source like a broken water line
• If left untreated, can degrade into category 2 or 3

Category 2: "Gray Water"

Category 2 water is contaminated and could cause discomfort or illness. Examples include washing machine overflow; toilet overflow with some urine, but no feces; or dishwasher overflow.

• May contain bacteria and viruses
• Can quickly degrade into category 3 if left untreated

Category 3: "Black Water"

Category 3 water is grossly contaminated and could cause severe illness or death if ingested and any contact should be avoided. Examples include flooding from rivers or streams, water from beyond the toilet trap, water from the toilet bowl with feces, or standing water that has begun to support microbial growth.

• May contain untreated sewage, harsh chemicals, and microbes
• Water from flooding rivers or sewer backup

24 Hour Emergency Service

Water contaminated with sewage backup should be considered an emergency situation and dealt with as quickly as possible. SERVPRO is available 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. Our specialists are always here with specialized training, equipment and protective gear to safely restore your home or business.

Ask The Experts: The Cost of Water Damage Repair

12/19/2020 (Permalink)

If you live in an area that is prone to adverse weather conditions like water damage is a real possibility. If this happens, repairing it right away is a must. Finding the underlying cause of water damage and addressing the problem is just half the battle.

The other half of this is mitigating the damages that have occurred. Sometimes, the extent of the water damage is misleading when looking at the outside surface but, in some cases, the water will seep into the deeper materials in your home or building. Because of the unique nature of water, the damage that occurs can result in costs that range from high to low. Some of the top factors that affect the price of water damage mitigation can be found here.

Understanding the factors that impact water damage will help you know what to expect when it comes to restoring your property.

1. The Size of the Area Affected

Just as you may expect, the bigger the damaged area is, the more costly it will be to fully repair. It will take more time, manpower, and materials to fix a whole room that is flooded compared to just a few square feet of damage. However, this is not the only factor that impacts the cost of the process. Some of the other factors found here will begin to add up. This may result in even a small area coming with varying costs.  

2. If Water is Still Present in the Area 

If water is still present, it should be removed right away to prevent additional home deterioration. This can be achieved by using both truck-mounted and portable extraction units, sump pumps and once all of the standing water is removed air movers and dehumidification equipment will help complete the drying process. Removing the excess water reduces the time needed to complete the drying process as there is less moisture to evaporate.  Once the bound moisture within the building materials is dry, reconstruction can begin. can begin.

3. Damaged Materials

Depending on what was affected by the water, the mitigation costs will vary. For example, sometimes porting holes behind the baseboard vs. removing the affected drywall can save time and money to get you back into that area of your home and business.  Removing drywall unnecessarily can be more costly as it requires additional services to be performed and a longer time to reoccupy the space.  Another important factor to consider that will impact the mitigation cost is the materials that must be repaired or replaced.

4. The Type of Water Present

The water that caused the damage also comes into play. The varying classifications of the category of the water are always important to understand as with some types of water such as a sewer back up many materials have to be replaced for health and safety reasons. This also results in a higher cost. The worst-case would be black water, which is sewage water that has come in contact with human waste. Greywater is water that has been used for dishes or showering, but not sewage. Mitigating issues related to black and grey water than a clean water source is usually more expensive because the area must be treated for contaminants.

As you can see, there are several factors that may impact the cost of water mitigation and repairs. The best way to know for sure is by getting in touch with the professionals at SERVPRO! They will mak things "Like it never even happened."

Ask The Experts: When Do Plumbing Issues Require A Professional?

12/17/2020 (Permalink)

As a homeowner you should never underestimate the seriousness of drainage issues. Plumbers have weighed in and have given their expert opinion on what causes these issues and some tips on how to avoid them. Here are the four things to look for.

1. Recurring Clogs- If a clog returns, chances are that there is a deeper clog. 
2. Multiple Clogged drains-If you have several clogged drains, you may have a clog in your main drain.
3. Foul odor-Persistent sewer odors coming from your drain or drains can be a major sign of a drainage issue. 
4. Flooding-One of the worst problems associated with clog drains is sewage backup. Getting a professional on the site as soon as you can will help you avoid a big problem.

Routine maintenance is key to keeping those drains open. Use drain catchers or less toilet paper. Also make sure that you run plenty of water into the garbage disposal after use. Just those few things help a lot. If you ever do have water damage, call SERVPRO with your water needs. We will be there to clean up the mess those clogged drains made. 

Again, we hope you never need these expert services but if you do, give us a call! We have helped hundreds of families recover from water loss damages. We are faster to any disaster and are ready to help you! 

Ask The Experts: The Do's and Do Not's of Water Damage

12/17/2020 (Permalink)

These Emergency Tips will assist you in taking the proper action until SERVPRO professionals arrive. Please follow these DOs and DON'Ts to help reduce damage and increase the chances of a successful restoration. Here are the DOs and DON'Ts for Water damage from Contaminated Water.

DOs 

• Call SERVPRO immediately 
• Avoid all contact with sewage and items contaminated by sewage. This includes damages incurred by a sewage backup.
• Wash your hands thoroughly after contact with contaminated items.

DON'Ts 

• Spread contaminated water by walking unnecessarily on damaged or wet areas.
• Turn on the HVAC system if there is a possibility of spreading contaminated air.
• Use household fans to dry the structure and spread contaminants.
• Use products for personal hygiene and cleaniness if exposed to contaminated areas.

Note: If exposed to harmful waste, OSHA recommends a post-exposure medical evaluation. Consult with your local health department or physician.

SERVPRO specializes in the cleanup and restoration of residential and commercial property after a sewage backup or a contaminated water damage event. Our staff is highly trained in property damage restoration. From initial and ongoing training at SERVPRO’s corporate training facility to regular IICRC-industry certification, rest assured our staff is equipped with the knowledge to restore your property.

When Your Sump Pump Just Isn't Right, Call The Experts At SERVPRO

12/14/2020 (Permalink)

If you have a sump pump, most of the time you don't realize how important it is until it stops working.  Power outages, failure and a sump pump that cannot handle the capacity are common problems.  Another is knowing how old is your sump pump?? Avoid potential problems by doing routine inspections or replacing your old sump pump. Usually, sump pumps should be replaced every 5 years or according to manufacturers guidelines and each year the sump, switch and float should be inspected as well.  Pay attention to how often the sump pump is running and if it runs regularly or there is a higher water table, consider a sump pump with higher horsepower.  

Another way to increase the pump's efficiency and prolong life is to clean your sump pit, remove any dirt, sand, gravel and other debris routinely. Ensure that the discharge line opening is free of obstructions so that water can be pumped through the line and out of your basement or crawlspace and also be aware in the winter the discharge line may freeze bringing the water back into your house.  Regular checks can make sure you don't ever get surprised by your sump pump!

So give us a call! We are faster to any disaster and here to help you make things "Like it never even happened."

Ask The Experts: The Skinny On Cat 3 Water Damage

11/11/2020 (Permalink)

When floodwater affects your business in category 3 water damage can be time-consuming to remove. Having a thorough understanding of category 3 water, or water that is contaminated with hazardous materials can help you know what to expect during your business’s restoration.

What Are Common Causes?

Water that has debris and hazardous materials in it is classified as category 3 damage. This category of water damage can occur as the result of several events, which can include:

• Sewer lines breaking
• Toilet overflow
• Floods that carry in debris
• Clean water or gray water that is not quickly and appropriately removed, causing it to turn into black water
  
  

What Damage Can It Cause?

Category 3 water can cause affect various aspects of a building, though the source of the water can affect the amount of damage present in a building. Common types of damage from category 3 water can include:

• Mold growth in areas that are damp
• Substantial structural issues
• Decreases the air quality throughout the building
• Damage to items in or around the flood water
  
  

What Is Involved in Restoration?

After the cause of the damage has been identified and there is no longer water flowing into the building, the process of restoration can begin. Since category 3 water contains hazardous materials, many business owners find it helpful to contact experts in water damage restoration to expedite the process of removing the water. After the water is removed, the area that was flooded is dried and items that are destroyed are removed from the building and items that aren’t destroyed are cleaned. Finally, the building is restored.

Whether it is caused by a toilet overflow or a flood, category 3 water damage can devastate a business. Understanding the causes of category 3 water, the damage it can cause and what restoration entails can help you prepare for the effects of floodwater.

So if disaster strikes, give us a call! We are faster to any disaster and are here to help get things back to "Like it never even happened."

Cold temps bring frozen pipes, but don't worry...SERVPRO can help

12/29/2019 (Permalink)

The new year often brings temps that are below freezing, causing pipes to burst all over the area.  Although our crews are often super busy responding to numerous calls, have no fear, because this is our expertise! Faster to any size disaster, our crews bring the latest equipment and training to help make your water damage “Like it never even happened.”

We understand if not addressed quickly, a burst pipe can cause considerable damage to your property. So, it’s very important, if you have a pipe burst, call our office immediately. They will start off by gathering some information about your situation and then send a team over to start the restoration process.

So give us a call! We love taking our expertise to help you navigate situations that can be stressful. We do these types things every day and love helping our customers breathe a little easier! 

Floods: Why SERVPRO Can Help!

12/11/2018 (Permalink)

Floods are one of the most common and widespread natural disasters in the United States.

There is always potential for flood damage no matter where you live. According to the American Red Cross floods cause more damage in the United States every year than any other weather related disaster. The American Red Cross offers these flood safety tips:

-Stay away from floodwaters. If you come up on a flowing stream where water is above your ankles, stop, turn around and go another way. Six inches of swiftly moving water can sweep you off of your feet.

-If you approach a flooded road while driving, turn around and go another way. If you are caught on a flooded road and waters are riding rapidly around you, get out of the car quickly and move to higher ground. Most cars can be swept away by less than two feet of moving water.

-Keep children out of the water. They are curious and often lack judgment about running water or contaminated water. 

If a flood occurs and affects you, call SERVPRO of Branch and South Calhoun.  Even minor floods have potential to cause major damage. We are faster to ANY size disaster. Let us help you get your life back in order. 

Hide & Seek: Water Damage Edition

12/11/2018 (Permalink)

Getting control over hidden damages

Do you know that water leaks can highly affect the sale of your home? What's more, they can be a concern for new home buyers. However, most homeowners are usually unaware of the hidden leaks. With cracked pipes, leaking spigot and broken seals water will easily creep into some places it isn't meant to go. The end results will be more visible damages which include rot, damaged flooring, and blistered paint.

A minor water leak can increase your repair bills. But the good news is that you can easily prevent such situations. Noticing a sagging ceiling above your dining room table is easier. When looking for water damages you have to remember that these damages rarely turn up at the water source.

Some damages to expect

- Mold and mildew growth. With water leaks, you should also expect an unhealthy environment.

- Permanent water damages to carpets, wood, wallpapers, furnishing and paint. 
- Contaminated systems – including the ductwork. 
- Insulation and drywall which need replacement and removal. 
- If there is water trapped somewhere in your house, poor airflow will become a major problem.

But don't worry, our technicians At SERVPRO of Branch and South Calhoun are always ready to check out problems and offer solutions.

Your Home is Your Most Expensive Asset: Why SERVPRO Should Be On Speed Dial!

12/11/2018 (Permalink)

Your home is more than likely the biggest investment that you will ever make and one that holds a lifetime of memories.

What happens if you wake up to see 2 inches of water in your kitchen?  What would you do?  Do you know who you would call?

We are SERVPRO® of Branch and South Calhoun and we have been serving homeowners and businesses like you since 1967.  

As a leader in the field of water damage repair and restoration, our crews are trained to help you when disaster strikes, they will help walk you through the drying process and help to make it #LikeItNeverEvenHappened.

If disaster strikes your home, be sure to remember to call SERVPRO® of Branch and South Calhoun at 517-278-9561

#SERVPRO9451 #NoWorries #SERVPRO

Water Damage From Contaminated Water

12/6/2018 (Permalink)

Sewage back-ups can happen to anyone! Here are a few Do's and Don'ts to keep you safe until SERVPRO can get there to assist you with cleanup.

  DO:

• Avoid all contact with sewage and items contaminated from sewage.
• Wash your hands thoroughly after contact with contaminated items.

DON’T:

• Spread contaminated water by walking unnecessarily on damaged or wet areas.
• Turn on the HVAC system if there is a possibility of spreading contaminated air.
• Use household fans to dry the structure and spread contaminants.
• Use products for personal hygiene and cleanliness if exposed to the contaminated areas.

Toilets are not the only source of a sewage back-up, back-ups can also happen in bath tubs and drains in the basement. If you're not sure if it's contaminated water please call SERVPRO to check it out instead of inspecting it yourself. Call today 517-278-5261