Prevention Tips

7/12/2021 (Permalink)

You cannot predict when water damage may occur, but there are prevention tips you can follow to try and keep it at bay.  Paying attention to your plumbing and fixtures can make all the difference.  These tips from the Water Damage Defense website can help guide you what to focus on in order to prevent water damage from occurring.

1. Pamper your Water Heater

Have a plumber come to your home and inspect and maintain your water heater on a regular basis.

2. Replace Appliance Hoses

Make sure you replace the hoses on your appliances such as washing machines, dishwashers, and ice makers at any sign of a wear!  They are cheap to replace, so use the highest quality replacements to ensure the best results, and replace them even before the manufacturer's suggested timetable!

3. Pay Attention to your Toilet

Make sure you stay in the room until your toilet finishes refilling.  Also, make sure you are getting your toilets inspected by a plumber regularly.

4. Know How to Shut off your Water

When a supply leak occurs, turn off the water as soon as possible!  Make sure everyone in your house knows how to do this.

5. Pay Attention to your Plumbing System

Watch your plumbing systems for signs of wear.  This could include noisy pipes, signs of moisture on your walls or floors, and rust-stained water.

6. Make Sure you have a Reliable Sump Pump

Make sure your sump pump and backup sump pump are reliable and working to protect your basement!

Water Bill Savings Tips

7/12/2021 (Permalink)

It may be hot outside, but that doesn't mean your water bill has to skyrocket. Here are some helpful tips on how you can lower your water bill this summer!

Fix Those Leaks!
Go around your house and make sure none of your appliances, faucets, hoses, or any plumbing are showing signs of leaks. We've talked about how harmful even the smallest of leaks can be to your home in regards to leaving water damage behind, but they can also drain thousands of gallons of water from your home along with the money you could be saving on your water bill.

Keep Drinking Water in Your Fridge
Fill pitchers or re-usable water bottles with water and store them in your fridge. Not only is this better for the environment by not using wasteful plastic bottles of water, but it will ensure you always have a nice glass of cold water waiting for you without having to run your tap waiting for your sink to get cold. This is a great way to save on your water bill and help keep waste out of the environment.

Fill Up That Dishwasher
Running your dishwasher utilizes less water than washing dishes individually in the sink. Make sure you fill your dishwasher completely to ensure maximum water savings.

Insulate Your Water Pipes
By insulating your water pipes with foam you can buy at a hardware store, you will help your water be able to heat up faster. The foam comes already cut in the shape of the pipe, and all you have to do it tape it up; you will be surprised at the difference it can make. This way you will not waste as much water running your faucet until it heats up.

Trash Those Scraps
The disposal on your sink may save you a trip across the room to the trashcan, but it may be the reason your water bill has increased. It requires water to be running while it is in use, which may be adding on to your bill without you even realizing it.

Use Cold Water For Your Washes
Washing your clothes in cold water gets them just as clean, and it will actually keep colors better than washing in warm water. Cold water washes will save you in water and energy as well!

By starting to implement these tips into your everyday routine you will see how these small changes can make a big difference in your water bill!

Swimming Safety

7/12/2021 (Permalink)

For many people, the summer means swimming! And while swimming can be a great way to cool off in the summer heat, it is important that we are keeping an eye on all and any children tempted by the cool water, no matter how hectic and busy the parties may get.

Here are some tips provided by CPSC.gov to ensure your child's safety this summer!

Staying Close, Being Alert and Watching Children in and Around the Pool

• Always keep an eye on your children around any body of water, and never leave them unattended!
• Make sure your child is aware of basic water safety tips
• Keep small children away from pool drains, pipes, and other openings to avoid entrapment
• Make sure to keep a telephone close by whenever you are near a body of water
• If a child is missing, look for them in the water first
• Share safety instructions with family, friends, and neighbors, so everyone will be alert

Learning and Practicing Water Safety Skills

• Make sure both you and your child know how to swim if you will be in the water
• Learn how to perform CPR on children and adults, and update those skills regularly
• Understand the basics of life-saving so that you can assist in any water emergency

Following these tips and being aware this summer will not only keep your child safe, but it will give you peace of mind, so you can enjoy the holiday to the fullest!

Standing Water Standing in Your Way?

5/7/2021 (Permalink)

Sometimes after a flood or a pipe burst a home may incur standing water issues. Standing water is water that doesn’t move or flow. The standing water can come from a clean or contaminated sources. Standing water is a problem that you need to address quickly as it could be a health risk to you and your family. Standing water or water that has set for a period of time is the perfect breeding ground for bacteria, mold, and parasites.

            If it is safe to clean here is what you do to get rid of it.

1. Remove the water: Use rags or towels to clean up small areas of standing water. Utilize pumps or wet/dry vacuums for larger regions of standing water. If the area is too large for you to handle on your own, call an emergency plumber.
2. Dry It: Use rags or towels to clean up small areas of standing water. Utilize pumps or wet/dry vacuums for larger regions of standing water. If the area is too large for you to handle on your own, call an emergency plumber.
3. Remove Damages: Water can weaken structural materials such as drywall and woodwork. Carpeting and carpet padding can deteriorate and lead to increased mold growth. Any material damaged beyond repair should be removed as soon as possible.
4. Where is it coming from: Find whatever allowed the standing water to accumulate in the first place and fix the problem. If you don’t, it is highly likely the standing water will return.
5. CLEAN: Proper cleaning and sanitation of the affected areas will prevent future growth of mold or bacteria as well as remove any odors left behind by the water. Finally, restore the damaged area by replacing drywall, carpet, repainting, etc.

Some of these tips may require that a professional be called to ensure that the right safety measures are taken and the right equipment is used.

Did April Showers Leave You With May Flooding?

4/29/2021 (Permalink)

Did April Showers Leave You With May Flooding?

Floods are among the most frequent and costly natural disasters in terms of human hardship and economic loss. If your home is affected by flooding there are steps you can take to help ease the sting of water damage.

1. Be Careful
2. If you are filing an insurance claim call your insurance to review your coverages
3. Check for potential electrical hazards and call professionals if needed
4. Clean and dry as much of the area(s) as possible.
5. When cleaning check for mold, foundation cracks, and loose flooring
6. Take photos of damage on any of the items as well as your home
7. Remove any molded items out of common living spaces to reduce exposure

SERVPRO of Montgomery & Pulaski Counties will continue to post more tips and resources on water damage and flood prevention. Make sure to follow us on social media and check back on our site.

Are you using an IICRC Certified Firm for your water damage?

12/7/2020 (Permalink)

IICRC Certified Firms have earned the right to display the IICRC logo as a symbol of quality. In order to achieve IICRC-certified status, firms must meet a rigorous list of standards in business ethics and expertise. All IICRC Certified Firms must:

• Present accurate information to consumers and conduct business with honesty and integrity.
• Require a technician on all jobs who has been formally trained and passed all required tests.
• Require a continuing education program to keep technicians up-to-date on the latest changes in the industry.
• Maintain liability insurance to protect all parties in the event of an accident.
• Maintain a written complaint policy and agree to Better Business Bureau or similar arbitration to resolve disputes, and accept the conclusions and recommendations of arbitration.

The IICRC actively has relationships with fiber producers, carpet and fabric mills, furnishing manufacturers and retailers, and others affiliated with the industry. The use of IICRC service professionals is specified in leading manufacturers’ maintenance brochures and warranties.

When it comes to cleaning, restoration and inspection, the IICRC writes the books

As an ANSI-accredited Standards Developing Organization (SDO), the IICRC has led the way in establishing the main industry standards and reference guides for professional carpet cleaning, upholstery and fabric cleaning, water damage restoration and mold remediation.

Each IICRC standard takes years to develop and the coordination of several experts in the field, including allied tradespersons; manufacturers; international, national and regional trade associations; individual or franchise professionals; cleaning, inspection and restoration industry organizations; insurance industry; training schools; contractors; and public health professionals.

These standards are reviewed and updated at least every five years. Many of these fields, such as the water damage restoration field, change rapidly and those who are certified keep up with the advancement of the science and generally accepted practices of the industry.

The IICRC helps keep homes and businesses healthful

According to the Environmental Protection Agency, the average person spends 90 percent or more of their time indoors, where levels of pollutants may be two to five times (and occasionally more than 100 times) higher than outdoor levels.

This makes it extremely important to perform regular maintenance inside your home or business. In addition to vacuuming, cleaning and checking for water damage on a regular basis, using a certified technician for cleaning will help extend the life of your flooring and upholstery and ensure that your home or business is healthful for those who live and work there.

We're Ready For Your Water Damage

7/5/2018 (Permalink)

We Answer the Phone Ready to Help

Call Today - SERVPRO of Montgomery & Pulaski Counties

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 Montgomery & Pulaski Counties 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 stress address of the water-damaged home or business
• When did the damage occur?
• What caused the water damage (if known)?
• Is there electricity available (on site)?

About SERVPRO of Montgomery & Pulaski Counties

SERVPRO of Montgomery & Pulaski Counties 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.

Your Home Has Water Damage, Now What?

4/30/2018 (Permalink)

While there are preventive measures that can be taken to try and avoid experiencing water damage in your home, it is something that can't always be avoided.  If you find yourself in a situation where your home has been affected by water damage, it is important to act quickly.  Whether you are waiting for help, or you plan on tackling the clean up yourself here are some quick tips on what to do as soon as the water damage has been discovered.

Shut Off The Source (If Possible)

Making sure you locate the source of the issue and putting a stop to it is important.  Whether it be a leaky pipe or rainwater sneaking in through a window, it is important to try and stop the source as soon as possible.  The longer water sits, the more damage it will cause.  

Look For Safety Issues and Turn off Circuit Breakers For Wet Areas

Look around your home and determine if the water is near any electrical appliances or lights.  If so, make sure the circuit breakers are turned off to these areas, so they do not become a danger or create more damage.

Protect and Preserve Contents

It is important to cover or remove any damageable contents from the affected areas.  If furniture and contents of value sit in water for long periods of time, they may be unfixable by the time they are removed. 

Do NOT Use Wet Electronics or Electrical Appliances

Using water damaged electronics or appliances can be very dangerous, and it should be avoided at all times.  This includes the light fixtures and ceiling fans in any of the affected rooms.

Water damage gets worse the longer it sits.  Responding to the situation as quickly as possible could make all the difference in saving your home from extensive damage and preserving your irreplaceable valuables.

Water Damage? SERVPRO of Roanoke is here to help!

5/26/2017 (Permalink)

SERVPRO of Roanoke 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 -540-389-5818

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 Roanoke 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 Roanoke

SERVPRO of Roanoke 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.

Preventing Frozen Pipes

1/6/2017 (Permalink)

Why Pipe Freezing is a Problem

Water has a unique property in that it expands as it freezes. This expansion puts tremendous pressure on whatever is containing it, including metal or plastic pipes. No matter the "strength" of a container, expanding water can cause pipes to break. Pipes that freeze most frequently are those that are exposed to severe cold, like outdoor hose bibs, swimming pool supply lines, water sprinkler lines, and water supply pipes in unheated interior areas like basements and crawl spaces, attics, garages, or kitchen cabinets. Pipes that run against exterior walls that have little or no insulation are also subject to freezing.

If your pipes do freeze, STAY CALM AND CALL SERVPRO.  We can make it "Like it never even happened.®"

During Cold Weather, Take Preventative Action

• Keep garage doors closed if there are water supply lines in the garage.
• Open kitchen and bathroom cabinet doors to allow warmer air to circulate around the plumbing. Be sure to move any harmful cleaners and household chemicals up out of the reach of children.
• When the weather is very cold outside, let the cold water drip from the faucet served by exposed pipes. Running water through the pipe - even at a trickle - helps prevent pipes from freezing.
• Keep the thermostat set to the same temperature both during the day and at night. By temporarily suspending the use of lower nighttime temperatures, you may incur a higher heating bill, but you can prevent a much more costly repair job if pipes freeze and burst.
• If you will be going away during cold weather, leave the heat on in your home, set to a temperature no lower than 55° F.

 To Thaw Frozen Pipes

• If you turn on a faucet and only a trickle comes out, suspect a frozen pipe. Likely places for frozen pipes include against exterior walls or where your water service enters your home through the foundation.
• Keep the faucet open. As you treat the frozen pipe and the frozen area begins to melt, water will begin to flow through the frozen area. Running water through the pipe will help melt ice in the pipe.
• Apply heat to the section of pipe using an electric heating pad wrapped around the pipe, an electric hair dryer, a portable space heater (kept away from flammable materials), or by wrapping pipes with towels soaked in hot water. Do not use a blowtorch, kerosene or propane heater, charcoal stove, or other open flame device.
• Apply heat until full water pressure is restored. If you are unable to locate the frozen area, if the frozen area is not accessible, or if you can not thaw the pipe, call a licensed plumber.
• Check all other faucets in your home to find out if you have additional frozen pipes. If one pipe freezes, others may freeze, too.

Future Protection

• Consider relocating exposed pipes to provide increased protection from freezing.
• Pipes can be relocated by a professional if the home is remodeled.
• Add insulation to attics, basements and crawl spaces. Insulation will maintain higher temperatures in these areas.

Frozen Pipes tips

1/20/2016 (Permalink)

Damage to ceiling resulting from frozen pipes

Cold weather has hit our area.  Protect your home from freezing pipes:

1. Turn off outside faucets and allow to drain then cover with insulating foam covers.

2.  Insulate any exposed pipes under or around house with foam insulation.

3.  Open cabinet doors under sinks.

4.  Allow interior faucets to drip, both hot and cold.

5.  Know where your main water shut off valves are located.

Frozen Pipes

1/19/2016 (Permalink)

Frozen Pipes

Cold weather has hit our area.  Protect your home from freezing pipes:

1. Turn off outside faucets and allow to drain then cover with insulating foam covers.

2.  Insulate any exposed pipes under or around house with foam insulation.

3.  Open cabinet doors under sinks.

4.  Allow interior faucets to drip, both hot and cold.

5.  Know where your main water shut off valves are located.

Large Loss Ready!

10/7/2014 (Permalink)

We are large loss ready with the purchase of our own Desiccant Dehumidifier.