Recent Water Damage Posts

Basement water damage in a commercial building

2/28/2022 (Permalink)

Last week this local commercial building suffered a large water loss. In this particular instance, our SERVPRO team was called after hours to respond to the unpleasant surprise for the local building. Our SERVPRO team responds day and night and is always "faster to any disaster". 

In this case, the water affected a large portion of the basement in a massive building. The basement had concrete and carpet floors that were affected by the water. Unfortunately, some of the area was an office building. Luckily, the SERVPRO team responds very quickly and they were able to minimize the water seeping into the carpeted area. 

The first night our SERVPRO team responded, the water level was higher than expected. But in just a few short hours our SERVPRO team had the water drained and were beginning to clean the area. After the water was drained, they could begin the drying process. Luckily, our team has all of the necessary equipment and we were out of there in just a few days! 

Water Damage and Techniques

1/12/2022 (Permalink)

A few weeks ago, a local building suffered severe water damage. Members of our SERVPRO team have been at the local establishment everyday to dry out the affected areas. When a large amount of a building is damaged by water, the areas need to be assessed for the severity of impairment. 

All areas need to be dried as best as possible. The other areas need to be addressed in other ways if the severity is high. For example, some areas of the wall may have to be cut out in order to prevent mold from growing. However, in this instance, SERVPRO is using specific tools in order to help quicken the drying process. 

Our team has a few methods for drying out specific areas. One method uses dehumidifiers and duct tube to help localize heat to the specific areas that need to be dried. This process will get rid of any water that remains in the walls or ceiling. 

Sewage Clean Up

11/2/2021 (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 Franchise Professionals have 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 Franchise Professionals are 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.

Toilet Overflow or Sewer Backup?
Call our office today 859-225-3193.

Water Damage at a Local Commercial Building

11/2/2021 (Permalink)

SERVPRO has been at this local commercial business for almost two weeks as a busted water pipe in a bathroom has affected three floors in the building. The first thing our SERVPRO team must do when arriving at a job with water loss is assess the damage. Our team goes into the building and investigates where the water leak began. In this case, a water pipe burst, causing multiple areas of the building to be affected.

Unfortunately, this was a building with many offices with workers and many others that occupy the busy hallways. Luckily, our SERVPRO team have made working in the area possible! While there are quite a few dryers and air movers in the building, people that use this building daily, can still treat their workday as if it is completely normal. Many times, with a water loss this severe, it may be necessary to relocate.

Our SERVPRO team has been present every day to work on the damages done by the water leak. Every room will be dried out and the area will be completely back to new. As our motto states, SERVPRO will make it look “Like it never even happened.”   

Water Damage to Homes in Houston

10/28/2021 (Permalink)

A few years ago, our SERVPRO team was in Texas for over two weeks. The aftermath of Hurricane Harvey left many people homeless. This picture shows just how bad the water damage to homes were in Houston. The water level reached an unimaginable height for the citizens of Texas from the storms and the floods. Water damage is serious when it comes to buildings of any kind. There are different levels of severity when it comes to the categories of water that have affected your home. There are different categories of the polluted water. In these pictures, the water damage is so severe all the insulation has been pulled out of the walls to dry the homes out. Pulling out the insulation encourages ventilation and it may hide damage that isn't visible in other parts of the building. In these homes, there is a lot of work that needs to be done. That's what SERVPRO does best! 

Sprinkler Mishap at Local University

10/5/2021 (Permalink)

In early summer, a sprinkler burst in a building on one of our local campuses. SERVPRO was more than happy to help our local university. There was standing water in the floor of the building when SERVPRO arrived on the scene. The sprinkler had dispensed water on the floors and the ceilings. When water damage is concerned, it is important to act relatively quick to ensure that the damage is contained. If the situation gets much worse, it can advance to more than just water damage. 

Typically, if the water is extracted, properly dried out and restored, the area affected should be alright. The area needs to be dried out within 48 hours. However, 24 hours is ideal. It takes mold 24 to 48 hours to begin growing in the ideal conditions. Sometimes, if not dried properly, mold will start growing but not visible just yet. When the water eventually dries, it will begin to show spots on the walls.

Luckily, in this case at our local university, SERVPRO acted quickly. SERVPRO knows the risks of water damage worsening and are always on the scene as soon as possible. The water was dried and the job done efficiently. SERVPRO is always happy to help. 

What to do and what not to do in the case of water damage

9/22/2021 (Permalink)

It is important to always be prepared in case of emergency. Here are some tips on how to handle a water damage in your own home.

What To Do After Flooding

  • Remove excess water by mopping and blotting.
  • Wipe excess water from wood furniture after removal of lamps and tabletop items.
  • Remove and prop wet upholstery and cushions.
  • Place aluminum foil or wood blocks between furniture legs and wet carpeting.
  • Turn air conditioning on for maximum drying in summer.
  • Remove colored rugs from wet carpeting.
  • Remove art objects to a safe, dry place.
  • Gather loose items from floors.

What NOT To Do After Flooding

  • Don't leave wet fabrics in place. Hang furs and leather goods.
  • Don't leave books, magazines or other colored items on wet carpet or floors.
  • Don't use your household vacuum to remove water.
  • Don't use television or other household appliances.
  • Don't turn on ceiling fixtures if ceiling is wet, and keep out of rooms where ceilings are sagging.

We are always here to help!

Important Do's and Don'ts for Clean Water Damage

8/3/2021 (Permalink)

Important Do's and Don'ts for Clean Water Damage
  • Stop the source of the water.
  • Remove as much excess water as possible by mopping or blotting.
  • Wipe excess water from wood furnishings after removing any contents lying on the surface.
  • Be aware of potential electrical hazards. Do not attempt to vacuum up water with standard vacuum equipment. 
  • Clearly designate wet areas with floor signs and safety tape. 
  • Pad or block wood furniture to prevent permanent staining of carpet. 
  • Carefully remove colored items from affected areas, especially those in contact with carpet and upholstery.
  • Remove and prop wet upholstery and pillow cushions for even drying. 
  • Turn off circuit breakers for wet areas of the building, when access to the power distribution panel is safe from electrical shock. 
  • Do not attempt to use electrical devices exposed to moisture or use unexposed electrical devices while standing on wet floors- especially wet concrete.
  • Do not turn on ceiling fans or light fixtures if ceiling is wet. Avoid standing beneath sagging ceilings.  

Living in your home during water damage

6/11/2021 (Permalink)

Any time you experience water damage in your home it can be distressing. Coming home to or waking up and discovering water damage can throw off your entire day. Once the damage is discovered, you begin the process of making phone calls and going through the steps to repair the damage. Often times when water damage occurs the customer has to live in their home throughout the process. In severe cases they may find other temporary arrangements. When we come into your home during your frustrating time, it is our goal to make sure that the process of getting your home back in order is as stress free as possible. We will come in a set up our drying equipment in the affected areas and perform any necessary demolition to wet materials. We always strive to have the home dry and have equipment removed within 4 days. At that point the customer can choose to complete the necessary repairs. In the case that you ever experience water damage, rest assured that we can take of you! Call our office at 859-225-3193.