Recent Water Damage Posts
Restoration When Floods Strike
6/13/2024 (Permalink)
6/6/2022
When flooding occurs, SERVPRO of LBL South is here to help with 24/7 Emergency Support because we know that immediate action is crucial to protect your home, as well as your possessions. A delay of even a few minutes or hours could result in much worse damage.
We answer the phone ready to help.
Call Today- (731)642-1284
We understand that when calling us, you may be feeling panicked, confused, or vulnerable. You need a professional to help you through the crisis. SERVPRO of LBL South has the expertise, experience, and training to help you through this tough time. We specialize in water damage restoration- in fact, it’s cornerstone of our business.
What to expect:
When you call, we will ask just a few questions about the damage and your information in order to get the information we need to assist you, as well as knowing what kind of equipment and personnel to bring. Questions asked may include, but are not limited to:
- 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 is the cause of the damage? (If known)
- Is there electricity available on-site?
water
2/6/2023 (Permalink)
Feb 5, 2023
Rain, Rain, Go Away!
“Home is where love resides, memories are made, friends and family belong, and laughter never ends.” We all want to ensure that our houses will be home to ourselves and our family for many years. The thought of water flooding the home, foundation damage, soil erosion and grass deterioration are all nightmares that we hear of all too often. Although we hope these things never happen, there are ways to help avoid these nightmares. The ability to draw water away from your home could save you time, money, and heartache during the next rainstorm and in the long run prevent expensive foundation repair or other associated issues. If water builds up around the foundation of the house, it can allow for the water to seep into walls, which can cause moisture, as well as mold to begin intruding into your home.
Below we have provided four ways to draw water away from your home…
- Install a Rain Gutter System: North Dakota State University Extension Service has conducted research on this topic, and they found “that 1 inch of water on 1,000 square feet of roof translates to 620 gallons of water”. Slanted roofs cause the water to run off, but without a gutter system the water will begin to pool around the base of the house. “Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) recommends using an extended rain spout of at least 5 feet at the end of the downspout” this allows for enough distance for the water to be discarded away from the house.
- Create A Barrier: Over time your soil is altered by the runoff of water from the roof of your house. This leads to the soil moving and creating those unwanted pools of water that build up around your house. It is suggested to “rebuild” the soil around your house to redirect the runoff water. In an article in the "Chicago Tribune" they suggest “building a slope of topsoil or crushed stone that extends from the home 2 to 3 feet. As well as the NDSU Extension Service suggests that the slopes be 1 inch higher per every foot in length.
- Dig A Trench: Once the water is carried away from the house, then it is important to get rid of the water before it ventures back towards your house. One of the ways to do this is to build a trench. The trench is suggested to be 3 to 4 ft deep, and 2 to 3 ft across by an article in “Chicago Tribune”. The trench should be in the lowest part of the property and in a U-shape. Place filter fabric on the high end to filter out the dirt and silt, as well as fill the trench with gravel or crushed rock.
- Build A Dry Well: If yards are small and easily hold water, the gutters and barriers may not be enough to get rid of water. A dry wall may need to be installed to get rid of standing water that threatens your home. Dry Wells are holes in the ground that are filled with gravel or crushed rock that are 3 to 4 ft wide and 5 to 6 ft deep. These allow for a slow transfer of water to the ground.
Although these seem like time consuming ideas, they can ultimately save you from the nightmares of water damage. If you have questions about the preventative actions check out the link below. Also, if you have any further questions or damage has already begun, please contact SERVPRO of LBL North at (270) 753-1160.
Resources:
Drawing Water Away From The House
water
2/6/2023 (Permalink)
Flooding and water emergencies don’t wait for regular business hours and neither do we. SERVPRO of LBL North provides emergency cleaning and restoration services 24 hours a day, 7 days a week—including all holidays.
Faster To Any Size Disaster
Flooding and water damage is very invasive. Water quickly spreads throughout your home and gets absorbed into floors, walls, furniture, and more. SERVPRO of LBL North arrives quickly and starts the water extraction process almost immediately. This immediate response helps to minimize the damage and the cleaning and restoration costs.
Need Emergency Service? Call Us 24/7 – 270-753-1160
Water Damage Timeline
Within Minutes
- Water quickly spreads throughout your property, saturating everything in its path.
- Water is absorbed into walls, floors, upholstery, and belongings.
- Furniture finishes may bleed, causing permanent staining on carpets.
- Photographs, books, and other paper goods start to swell and warp.
Hours 1 - 24:
- Drywall begins to swell and break down.
- Metal surfaces begin to tarnish.
- Furniture begins to swell and crack.
- Dyes and inks from cloth and paper goods spread and stain.
- A musty odor appears.
48 Hours to 1 Week:
- Mold and mildew may grow and spread.
- Doors, windows, and studs swell and warp.
- Metal begins to rust and corrode.
- Furniture warps and shows signs of mold.
- Paint begins to blister.
- Wood flooring swells and warps.
- Serious biohazard contamination is possible.
More Than 1 Week:
- Restoration time and cost increase dramatically; replacing contaminated materials and structural rebuilding may be extensive.
- Structural safety, mold growth, and biohazard contaminants pose serious risks to occupants.
If your home has been affected by water damage, don't wait, call us at 270-753-1160.
SERVPRO of LBL North Specializes In Flooded Basements
3/30/2022 (Permalink)
A basement can flood at any time, although flooding most often occurs during heavy rainfall. Basements are inherently prone to flooding because they are the lowest level of a building and are normally built partly or entirely below ground level. There are a number of reasons why your basement could flood, including:
- A blocked or failed sewer lateral pipe
- Heavy rain causes surface water to pool around your home
- Storm sewer backup
- Sanitary sewer backup
- Foundation drainage failure
- Water supply-line break or hot-water tank failure
- And many more
Have Questions about Basement Flooding?
Call Today - (270) 753-1160
If flood water is not handled quickly and properly, it can jeopardize your health and safety, and cause severe damage to your home’s structure. Remember, the longer you wait, the worse the problem will get.
The bottom line: a flooded basement can jeopardize your health, safety, and your home’s integrity. It’s worth making a call to SERVPRO of LBL North and let our trained, professional crews handle the situation safely and correctly. We have earned the trust of hundreds of homeowners, business owners, and property professionals.
We are Flooded Basement Specialists:
- We are Available 24 hours/7 days per week
- We’re a Preferred Vendor to many National Insurance Companies
- We Bill The Insurance Directly – One Less Thing For You To Worry About
- Our Technicians are Highly-Trained in Water Restoration Techniques
- We use s500 IICRC Restoration Standards
- Advanced Inspection and Extraction Equipment
Basement Flooded? Call Us Today – We’re Ready To Help (270) 753-1160
Water Damage? We Have You Covered
3/30/2022 (Permalink)
Flooding and water emergencies don’t wait for regular business hours and neither do we. SERVPRO of LBL North provides emergency cleaning and restoration services 24 hours a day, 7 days a week—including all holidays.
Faster To Any Size Disaster
Flooding and water damage is very invasive. Water quickly spreads throughout your home and gets absorbed into floors, walls, furniture, and more. SERVPRO of LBL North arrives quickly and starts the water extraction process almost immediately. This immediate response helps to minimize the damage and the cleaning and restoration costs.
Need Emergency Service? Call Us 24/7 – 270-753-1160
Water Damage Timeline
Within Minutes
- Water quickly spreads throughout your property, saturating everything in its path.
- Water is absorbed into walls, floors, upholstery, and belongings.
- Furniture finishes may bleed, causing permanent staining on carpets.
- Photographs, books, and other paper goods start to swell and warp.
Hours 1 - 24:
- Drywall begins to swell and break down.
- Metal surfaces begin to tarnish.
- Furniture begins to swell and crack.
- Dyes and inks from cloth and paper goods spread and stain.
- A musty odor appears.
48 Hours to 1 Week:
- Mold and mildew may grow and spread.
- Doors, windows, and studs swell and warp.
- Metal begins to rust and corrode.
- Furniture warps and shows signs of mold.
- Paint begins to blister.
- Wood flooring swells and warps.
- Serious biohazard contamination is possible.
More Than 1 Week:
- Restoration time and cost increase dramatically; replacing contaminated materials and structural rebuilding may be extensive.
- Structural safety, mold growth, and biohazard contaminants pose serious risks to occupants.
About SERVPRO of LBL North
SERVPRO of LBL North 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.
What Happens When You Call SERVPRO of LBL North
2/22/2022 (Permalink)
Have you ever wondered what happens after SERVPRO of LBL North is called to the scene of a water damage event?
- Our Crew Chief meets with customer to discuss remediation process and questions or concerns.
- Water extraction begins.
- SERVPRO of LBL North uses a truck-mounted commercial extractor to remove any standing water.
- Damage is assessed.
- Anything that is salvageable is removed and kept safe from further damage.
- Unsalvageable material is discarded (including contents, drywall, flooring, etc.)
- Equipment is set up.
- Industrial grade dehumidifiers and high-speed air movers are strategically placed in space to remove remaining moisture from ceilings, walls, and floors.
- Situation is monitored.
- Our crew chief and crew members return to the scene periodically to monitor drying process.
- Once dry, reconstruction can begin.
There are many steps involved in drying out a home or commercial property after a water damage event. However, the amazing and unparalleled service our team provides makes the process as seemless and hassle-free as possible for our customers.
Call SERVPRO of LBL North to help with your water damage event.
270-753-1160
Flooding in Murray, KY- What To Do VS What Not To Do
2/22/2022 (Permalink)
Murray, Kentucky and the surrounding western Kentucky region are known to be prone to a certain among of flooding. This year we received a significant amount of rain during the spring months and the flood gates had to be installed. SERVPRO of LBL North has a few tips to help you remember what TO DO and what NOT TO DO during a flood event.
What Not To Do:
- Do not use your household vacuum to remove water.
- Do not turn on ceiling fixtures if ceiling is wet.
- Do not leave wet fabrics ups. Hang fur and leather goods.
What To Do:
- Turn air condition on for maximum drying in the summer.
- Remove colored rugs from wet carpeting.
- Remove art objects and collectibles to a safe, dry place.
For further information on how SERVPRO of LBL North would tackle your flood damage event, visit us here, or call us at (270) 573-1160 today!
Water Damage- We Have You Covered
11/2/2021 (Permalink)
Flooding and water emergencies don’t wait for regular business hours and neither do we. SERVPRO of LBL North provides emergency cleaning and restoration services 24 hours a day, 7 days a week—including all holidays.
Faster To Any Size Disaster
Flooding and water damage is very invasive. Water quickly spreads throughout your home and gets absorbed into floors, walls, furniture, and more. SERVPRO of LBL North arrives quickly and starts the water extraction process almost immediately. This immediate response helps to minimize the damage and the cleaning and restoration costs.
Need Emergency Service? Call Us 24/7 – 270-753-1160
Water Damage Timeline
Within Minutes
- Water quickly spreads throughout your property, saturating everything in its path.
- Water is absorbed into walls, floors, upholstery, and belongings.
- Furniture finishes may bleed, causing permanent staining on carpets.
- Photographs, books, and other paper goods start to swell and warp.
Hours 1 - 24:
- Drywall begins to swell and break down.
- Metal surfaces begin to tarnish.
- Furniture begins to swell and crack.
- Dyes and inks from cloth and paper goods spread and stain.
- A musty odor appears.
48 Hours to 1 Week:
- Mold and mildew may grow and spread.
- Doors, windows, and studs swell and warp.
- Metal begins to rust and corrode.
- Furniture warps and shows signs of mold.
- Paint begins to blister.
- Wood flooring swells and warps.
- Serious biohazard contamination is possible.
More Than 1 Week:
- Restoration time and cost increase dramatically; replacing contaminated materials and structural rebuilding may be extensive.
- Structural safety, mold growth, and biohazard contaminants pose serious risks to occupants.
About SERVPRO of LBL North
SERVPRO of LBL North 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.
Diverting Water Away From Your Home
11/2/2021 (Permalink)
November 2, 2021
Rain, Rain, Go Away!
“Home is where love resides, memories are made, friends and family belong, and laughter never ends.” We all want to ensure that our houses will be home to ourselves and our family for many years. The thought of water flooding the home, foundation damage, soil erosion and grass deterioration are all nightmares that we hear of all too often. Although we hope these things never happen, there are ways to help avoid these nightmares. The ability to draw water away from your home could save you time, money, and heartache during the next rainstorm and in the long run prevent expensive foundation repair or other associated issues. If water builds up around the foundation of the house, it can allow for the water to seep into walls, which can cause moisture, as well as mold to begin intruding into your home.
Below we have provided four ways to draw water away from your home…
- Install a Rain Gutter System: North Dakota State University Extension Service has conducted research on this topic, and they found “that 1 inch of water on 1,000 square feet of roof translates to 620 gallons of water”. Slanted roofs cause the water to run off, but without a gutter system the water will begin to pool around the base of the house. “Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) recommends using an extended rain spout of at least 5 feet at the end of the downspout” this allows for enough distance for the water to be discarded away from the house.
- Create A Barrier: Over time your soil is altered by the runoff of water from the roof of your house. This leads to the soil moving and creating those unwanted pools of water that build up around your house. It is suggested to “rebuild” the soil around your house to redirect the runoff water. In an article in the "Chicago Tribune" they suggest “building a slope of topsoil or crushed stone that extends from the home 2 to 3 feet. As well as the NDSU Extension Service suggests that the slopes be 1 inch higher per every foot in length.
- Dig A Trench: Once the water is carried away from the house, then it is important to get rid of the water before it ventures back towards your house. One of the ways to do this is to build a trench. The trench is suggested to be 3 to 4 ft deep, and 2 to 3 ft across by an article in “Chicago Tribune”. The trench should be in the lowest part of the property and in a U-shape. Place filter fabric on the high end to filter out the dirt and silt, as well as fill the trench with gravel or crushed rock.
- Build A Dry Well: If yards are small and easily hold water, the gutters and barriers may not be enough to get rid of water. A dry wall may need to be installed to get rid of standing water that threatens your home. Dry Wells are holes in the ground that are filled with gravel or crushed rock that are 3 to 4 ft wide and 5 to 6 ft deep. These allow for a slow transfer of water to the ground.
Although these seem like time consuming ideas, they can ultimately save you from the nightmares of water damage. If you have questions about the preventative actions check out the link below. Also, if you have any further questions or damage has already begun, please contact SERVPRO of LBL North at (270) 753-1160.
Resources:
Drawing Water Away From The House
Dehumidifier 101
1/25/2021 (Permalink)
DryMax Dehumidifier
Januray 25, 2021
SERVPRO of LBL North a water damage restoration professional, we need professional-grade equipment that helps us tackle the toughest of jobs and deliver outstanding results for our clients. A powerful dehumidifier is a key component in our suite of tools. But what does a dehumidifier do?
Conventional dehumidifiers are designed for most water-damage remediation projects, and they can easily be transported from job to job and loaded and unloaded from a vehicle. They condense water vapor by passing air over refrigerated coils, and a heat pipe prevents frost from forming. This type of dehumidification can also be used in your home for moisture management. It helps to keep moisture levels more comfortable in humid environments, and helps ward off musty odors.
We use machines called LGR Dehumidifiers. LGR stands for low-grain refrigerant, which is a fancy way of saying these dehumidifiers provide maximum power in removing moisture from the air. How do they work? LGR dehumidifiers feature a double cooling system that lowers the temperature of moisture-filled air once inside the machine. This leads to more condensation that forms on the coils inside the machine, which in turn leads to more moisture pumped out and less moisture in the air that is returned to the room.
Now for my favorite dehumidifier! *Drumroll*
The Phoenix Dry Max! What is special about the Dry Max? It's tiny compared to its brothers and sisters, but it still packs the same punch! It has an integrated handle and wheels as well as onboard storage for the power cord and condensate hose!
If your home has been affected by water damage, call the mitigation and restoration professionals, SERVPRO of LBL North at 270-753-1160.
24/7 - 365 days a year Emergency Services
1/25/2021 (Permalink)
Flooding and water emergencies don’t wait for regular business hours and neither do we. SERVPRO of LBL North provides emergency cleaning and restoration services 24 hours a day, 7 days a week—including all holidays.
Faster To Any Size Disaster
Flooding and water damage is very invasive. Water quickly spreads throughout your home and gets absorbed into floors, walls, furniture, and more. SERVPRO of LBL North arrives quickly and starts the water extraction process almost immediately. This immediate response helps to minimize the damage and the cleaning and restoration costs.
Need Emergency Service? Call Us 24/7 – 270-753-1160
Water Damage Timeline
Within Minutes
- Water quickly spreads throughout your property, saturating everything in its path.
- Water is absorbed into walls, floors, upholstery, and belongings.
- Furniture finishes may bleed, causing permanent staining on carpets.
- Photographs, books, and other paper goods start to swell and warp.
Hours 1 - 24:
- Drywall begins to swell and break down.
- Metal surfaces begin to tarnish.
- Furniture begins to swell and crack.
- Dyes and inks from cloth and paper goods spread and stain.
- A musty odor appears.
48 Hours to 1 Week:
- Mold and mildew may grow and spread.
- Doors, windows, and studs swell and warp.
- Metal begins to rust and corrode.
- Furniture warps and shows signs of mold.
- Paint begins to blister.
- Wood flooring swells and warps.
- Serious biohazard contamination is possible.
More Than 1 Week:
- Restoration time and cost increase dramatically; replacing contaminated materials and structural rebuilding may be extensive.
- Structural safety, mold growth, and biohazard contaminants pose serious risks to occupants.
If your home has been affected by water damage, don't wait, call us at 270-753-1160.
Dealing With Water Damage
9/8/2020 (Permalink)
SERVPRO of LBL North is an emergency team here, available to you 24 hours a day for storm, fire, mold and water emergencies. For our team, there is no job too large or small. The first step one needs to take when they realize they may have water damage is to take immediate action. Our crew is very experienced and have all witnessed numerous water damage jobs. If there is one word of advice is would be to call as soon as you notice a leak/water damage. Waiting just a couple of hours can increase the severity of the water damages.
SERVPRO of LBL North has the specific water damage training and experience to help you through this tough time. We understand that when something like this happens, you may be overwhelmed with all kinds of emotions. Let us take the stress and worry off your hands. We specialize in water damage restoration—in fact, it's the cornerstone of our business.
SERVPRO of LBL North
(270) 753-1160
Gutters Matter
8/5/2020 (Permalink)
Gutters Matter
August 5th, 2020
Several weeks back our area experienced a significant amount of rainfall which brought the wettest on record according to the National Weather Service. In receiving this significant amount of rainfall, aside from the flooding (water damage) that comes as a result of rising rivers or other bodies of water, we began also receiving calls from customers that had unexplained mold growing on their ceilings as well as outside walls on their homes or businesses. Since one of the key factors in properly mitigating a water damage is identifying the source, naturally we began with a roof inspection, which in every case to the date of this blog posting, has produced no findings which would indicate a raised nail, missing screw, or shingle tab is the culprit. Following a flood of questions to the homeowner, which generally reveal no prior history of brown stains or leaks from the ceiling or walls, some may not know to look at or inspect the gutter system.
Gutters play a significant role in a number of things which protect the home. They keep water from running directly off of a roof and onto a deck, into your flower bed, and through the proper design/installation/operation of the gutter system, also diverts water away from the foundation of the home. According to our friends over at Erie Insurance, failing to annually inspect your gutter system can result in Foundation Problems, Broken Gutters, Wall and Ceiling Damage, a Wet Basement, and Insect Infestations.
Our customers were all found to have the same issue, easily avoidable clogged gutters which permitted the gutter system to become backfilled with water, further permitting that water to intrude into the home. Following a brief inspection of the gutters, debris was found in the downspouts, in some cases with plants growing out of them, which prevented the water from properly draining.
As their article properly suggests, gutter damage is expensive to mitigate, but inexpensive and easy to prevent. Take the proper precaution to inspect your gutters, ensuring you have the proper tools, ladder, and equipment to mitigate any issues you find. Taking the time to do this will allow you to also better inspect your homes roof for any damage from the previous season, as well as other areas you may need to focus on moving forward.
If your home has suffered water damage, call SERVPRO of LBL North to assist you in mitigating this damage! We are always happy to help!
JN
References:
Metz, J. (2018, October 17). 5 Common problems caused by clogged gutters. Retrieved from Erie Insurance: https://www.erieinsurance.com/blog/clean-gutters
NOAA National Centers for Environmental Information. (2020, August 5th). National Climate Report - June 2020. Retrieved from National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration: https://www.ncdc.noaa.gov/sotc/national/202006
Are You Sure the Toilet Isn't Leaking?
2/7/2020 (Permalink)
February 7th, 2020
Are You Sure the Toilet Isn’t Leaking?
Do you see stains around the base of your toilet? Notice standing water or damaged tile? How about stains on the ceiling below where your toilet is located (multi-level home)? These can all be indications of a leaking toilet seal. A toilet seal is what connects the toilet to the main drain waste pipe flange in the floor. Typically, you find that if your toilet is rocking, that means that the seal is faulty and needs replaced. However, even if it is not rocking you still may find the toilet seal to have been installed incorrectly, possibly not aligned correctly, or not installed at all.
How to Replace Leaking Toilet Seal?
- TURN off the water at the shutoff valve. (typically located behind the toilet or possibly in the basement or crawlspace)
- REMOVE the toilet lid, hold the handle down, and drain all the water out of the toilet. You will also need to remove the water from the supply tank as well (using a sponge or cup may be helpful to get all the water out).
- DISCONNECT the water-supply tube. This is done by removing the compression nuts off the shutoff value.
- REMOVE the toilet by gently rocking back and forth to break off the pre-existing seal. (Use a putty knife to remove the old seal)
- CHECK the condition of the flange that holds the seal to ensure there are no cracks or broken pieces. (If so, this part will also need replaced)
- CENTER the new seal within the closest flange
- CONNECT the water-supply tube to the fill-valve shank that is located on the bottom of the toilet tank
- PRESS down on the toilet to compress the seal and tighten the bolts (do not over tighten)
- TRIM the tops of bolts, tighten bolts, and replace caps
- CONNECT the supply tube to the shutoff valve, open the valve, flush the toilet
- INSPECT for any leaks
A leaking toilet can seem like a minor issue, but if left unrepaired can turn into a large, costly issue. If the leak is caught in a timely manner, and repaired the homeowner is looking at low costs, and about an hours’ worth of work. However, if left alone to continue to leak, it can cause major damage to the sub-floor of the house or even the walls. Once the floor begins to rot, it continues to spread and before anyone is aware of it, it can destroy an entire bathroom floor, causing showers, cabinets, sinks, and such to have to be removed in order to fix the damaged floor. This then turns into hours of restoration work, and costly materials.
For more information relating to the inspection of, removal or installation of a toilet gasket, please click on the link provided below. If you find that you do in fact have water damage as a result of a leaky/faulty gasket, please contact SERVPRO of LBL North at (270) 753-1160.
Resources:
Easy Fix for a Leaky Toilet
What Happens After You Call SERVPRO of Murray?
7/17/2018 (Permalink)
Dehumidifiers and Air-Movers are set up to dry out a local church.
Have you ever wondered what happens after SERVPRO of Murray, Benton, Cadiz & Princeton is called to the scene of a water damage event?
- Kelly Bone, our lead water technician, meets with customer to discuss remediation process and questions or concerns.
- Water extraction begins.
- SERVPRO of Murray, Benton, Cadiz, and Princeton uses a truck-mounted commercial extractor to remove any standing water.
- Damage is assessed.
- Anything that is salvageable is removed and kept safe from further damage.
- Unsalvageable material is discarded (including contents, drywall, flooring, etc.)
- Equipment is set up.
- Industrial grade dehumidifiers and high-speed air movers are strategically placed in space to remove remaining moisture from ceilings, walls, and floors.
- Situation is monitored.
- Kelly and her crew members return to the scene periodically to monitor drying process.
- Once dry, reconstruction can begin.
There are many steps involved in drying out a home or commercial property after a water damage event. However, the amazing and unparalleled service Kelly Bone provides makes the process as seemless and hassle-free as possible for our customers.
Call SERVPRO of Murray, Benton, Cadiz, and Princeton to help with your water damage event.
270-753-1160
Flooding in Murray, KY: What To Do vs. What Not To Do
6/22/2018 (Permalink)
The SERVPRO crew is always ready!
Murray, Kentucky and the surrounding western Kentucky region are known to be prone to a certain among of flooding. This year we received a significant amount of rain during the spring months and the flood gates had to be installed. SERVPRO of Murray, Benton, Cadiz, and Princeton has a few tips to help you remember what TO DO and what NOT TO DO during a flood event.
What Not To Do:
- Do not use your household vacuum to remove water.
- Do not turn on ceiling fixtures if ceiling is wet.
- Do not leave wet fabrics ups. Hang fur and leather goods.
What To Do:
- Turn air condition on for maximum drying in the summer.
- Remove colored rugs from wet carpeting.
- Remove art objects and collectibles to a safe, dry place.
For further information on how SERVPRO of Murray, Benton, Cadiz, and Princeton would tackle your flood damage event, visit us here, or call us at (270) 573-1160 today!
Faster to Any Size Disaster!
6/22/2018 (Permalink)
Flooding and water emergencies don’t wait for regular business hours and neither do we. SERVPRO of Murray, Benton, Cadiz, and Princeton provides emergency cleaning and restoration services 24 hours a day, 7 days a week—including all holidays.
Faster To Any Size Disaster
Flooding and water damage is very invasive. Water quickly spreads throughout your home and gets absorbed into floors, walls, furniture, and more. SERVPRO of Murray, Benton, Cadiz, and Princeton arrives quickly and starts the water extraction process almost immediately. This immediate response helps to minimize the damage and the cleaning and restoration costs.
Need Emergency Service? Call Us 24/7 – 270-753-1160
Water Damage Timeline
Within Minutes
- Water quickly spreads throughout your property, saturating everything in its path.
- Water is absorbed into walls, floors, upholstery, and belongings.
- Furniture finishes may bleed, causing permanent staining on carpets.
- Photographs, books, and other paper goods start to swell and warp.
Hours 1 - 24:
- Drywall begins to swell and break down.
- Metal surfaces begin to tarnish.
- Furniture begins to swell and crack.
- Dyes and inks from cloth and paper goods spread and stain.
- A musty odor appears.
48 Hours to 1 Week:
- Mold and mildew may grow and spread.
- Doors, windows, and studs swell and warp.
- Metal begins to rust and corrode.
- Furniture warps and shows signs of mold.
- Paint begins to blister.
- Wood flooring swells and warps.
- Serious biohazard contamination is possible.
More Than 1 Week:
- Restoration time and cost increase dramatically; replacing contaminated materials and structural rebuilding may be extensive.
- Structural safety, mold growth, and biohazard contaminants pose serious risks to occupants.
About SERVPRO of Murray, Benton, Cadiz, and Princeton
SERVPRO of Murray, Benton, Cadiz, and Princeton 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.
Murray Residents: Who To Call When Your Home Or Business Has Water Damage
5/23/2018 (Permalink)
The result of a pipe burst in this Princeton, KY home.
Your home should be your place of rest. But when water begins leaking - even small leaks in areas you can't see - your home could quickly become a source of stress. The possibility of harmful mold, rot and unseen damage may affect the value of your home and the health of loved ones.
SERVPRO of Murray, Benton, Cadiz, and Princeton professionals understand how disruptive water damages can be for your entire family and will help ensure the water is identified, regardless of where it hides. That is why we offer 24-hour emergency response by trained, uniformed restoration professionals. With top-of-the line equipment and time-tested cleanup and restoration techniques, SERVPRO of Murray, Benton, Cadiz, and Princeton has the expertise to help make your house feel like home again.
After all, when it comes to your home and your family, even small disasters can feel like huge problems. So if a water damage occurs in your home, just call us (270) 753-1160. We'll be there to help.
How To Protect Your Pipes From Freezing
5/23/2018 (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:
- Pipes that are exposed to severe cold, like outdoor hose bibs, swimming pool supply lines, and water sprinkler lines.
- 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.
How to Protect Pipes From Freezing
Before the onset of cold weather, protect your pipes from freezing by following these recommendations:
- Drain water from swimming pool and water sprinkler supply lines following manufacturer's or installer's directions. Do not put antifreeze in these lines unless directed. Antifreeze is environmentally harmful, and is dangerous to humans, pets, wildlife, and landscaping.
- Remove, drain, and store hoses used outdoors. Close inside valves supplying outdoor hose bibs. Open the outside hose bibs to allow water to drain. Keep the outside valve open so that any water remaining in the pipe can expand without causing the pipe to break.
- Add insulation to attics, basements and crawl spaces. Insulation will maintain higher temperatures in these areas.
- Check around the home for other areas where water supply lines are located in unheated areas. Look in the garage, and under kitchen and bathroom cabinets. Both hot and cold water pipes in these areas should be insulated.
- Consider installing specific products made to insulate water pipes like a "pipe sleeve" or installing UL-listed "heat tape," "heat cable," or similar materials on exposed water pipes. Newspaper can provide some degree of insulation and protection to exposed pipes – even ¼” of newspaper can provide significant protection in areas that usually do not have frequent or prolonged temperatures below freezing.
- Consider relocating exposed pipes to provide increased protection from freezing.
How to Prevent Frozen Pipes
- 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.
How 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.
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If you have suspect a potential water damage at your home, Call SERVPRO of Murray, Benton, Cadiz, and Princeton at (270) 753-1160!
Murray, Benton, Cadiz and Princeton 24 Hour Emergency Water Damage Service
7/28/2017 (Permalink)
SERVPRO of Murray, Benton, Cadiz and Princeton 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 - (270) 753-1160
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 Murray, Benton, Cadiz and Princeton 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 Murray, Benton, Cadiz and Princeton
SERVPRO of Murray, Benton, Cadiz and Princeton 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.
- IICRC Certified Firm
- WRT - Water Damage Restoration Technician
- OCT - Odor Control Technician
- ASD - Applied Structural Drying Technician
- AMRT - Applied Microbial Remediation Technician
- SRT - Fire & Smoke Damage Restoration Technician
Murray, Benton, Cadiz and Princeton Residents! We Specialize in Flooded Basement Cleanup and Restoration!
7/13/2017 (Permalink)
A basement can flood at any time, although flooding most often occurs during heavy rainfall. Basements are inherently prone to flooding because they are the lowest level of a building and are normally built partly or entirely below ground level. There are a number of reasons why your basement could flood, including:
- A blocked or failed sewer lateral pipe
- Heavy rain causes surface water to pool around your home
- Storm sewer backup
- Sanitary sewer backup
- Foundation drainage failure
- Water supply-line break or hot-water tank failure
- And many more
Have Questions about Basement Flooding?
Call Today - (270) 753-1160
If flood water is not handled quickly and properly, it can jeopardize your health and safety, and cause severe damage to your home’s structure. Remember, the longer you wait, the worse the problem will get.
The bottom line: a flooded basement can jeopardize your health, safety, and your home’s integrity. It’s worth making a call to SERVPRO of Murray, Benton, Cadiz and Princeton and let our trained, professional crews handle the situation safely and correctly. We have earned the trust of hundreds of homeowners, business owners, and property professionals.
We are Flooded Basement Specialists:
- We are Available 24 hours/7 days per week
- We’re a Preferred Vendor to many National Insurance Companies
- We Bill The Insurance Directly – One Less Thing For You To Worry About
- Our Technicians are Highly-Trained in Water Restoration Techniques
- We use s500 IICRC Restoration Standards
- Advanced Inspection and Extraction Equipment
Basement Flooded? Call Us Today – We’re Ready To Help (270) 753-1160
24/7 Emergency Service
