Recent Water Damage Posts

Prepare Your Business for Flood Damage

2/13/2024 (Permalink)

There is never a good time to deal with flood damage. Different types of flooding include burst pipes, flash floods, and sewage backup. They can be hard to prepare for and even harder to predict. Here are a few tips to ensure that you are doing the most you can to protect your property from disaster.

Act Now

Sometimes you won't have time to prepare your business before a storm hits. If your property experiences flooding, remember there are ways to minimize damage. You can avoid most of the damage with these steps:

  • Stop the flow of water and turn off circuit breakers to reduce risk of injury.
  • Call your storm damage restoration company immediately.
  • Remove small furniture items, books, papers, and breakables to a higher floor or a dry room.
  • Put cinder wood blocks under the legs of furniture to raise them above water level.
  • Lift all cushions, rugs, drapes and other fabric items away from water, and set them outside to dry if needed.
  • Place sandbags around doors and windows to divert running water and soak up standing water.

Prepare for the Worst

While the forecast can be erratic, one of the best ways to avoid heavy damage is to be prepared before a storm descends. Perform routine maintenance on the building to prevent water from pooling in areas. Make sure to clean out storm drains and patch holes in parking lots. Regularly inspect doors, windows and drains, and bring them up to code.

Keep an Updated Flood Action Plan

Having a flood action plan can help you get your business running right after a disaster. Keep yourself and your employees updated on weather forecasts and storm warnings. Have the numbers of insurance providers and emergency services in one place. Make an evacuation plan and perform drills regularly. Know how to locate all utility taps and circuit breakers and how to safely shut them off in case of a flood. Ensure you have a preferred restoration partner before a storm can ease your mind. 

When you have a well-constructed plan, you will feel much better about handling a disaster such as flooding. Just because the weather can be unpredictable doesn't mean you shouldn't be prepared.

Give us a call today if you experience a flood so we can help you make it "Like it Never Even Happened".

Three Reasons to Hire Water Damage Experts

2/9/2023 (Permalink)

info Give us a call today!

Certified companies that specialize in water cleanup are likely to hold an Institute of Inspection Cleaning and Restoration Certification, a Commercial Structure Drying credential, or a Mold Remediation certification.

The standards for these credentials are set by experts in human health and structural restoration. Here are three reasons why you should hire a certified water damage expert if you experience a broken pipe, leaky roof, or sewer flooding.

Insurance companies are more likely to cover the costs of certified commercial restoration. Insurance companies typically trust certified professionals to perform water cleanup and damage repair work more quickly and with greater success than services without up-to-date cleaning and restoration certifications.

Certified companies are also more likely to guarantee their work.

Certified experts can work efficiently after water damage. Every second counts when you are dealing with water damage. Regardless of the source of the leak, it is important to remove standing water and to clean, dry, and dehumidify the parts of a commercial property affected by a leak as quickly as possible. Significant damage can occur and mold may begin to develop in 24 to 48 hours if experts do not complete drying and cleaning procedures.

Less secondary damage occurs when certified experts follow best restoration practices. Just as mold is less likely to develop if the affected area is quickly dried and cleaned, the extent of water damage to building materials or content may be less severe if experts arrive on the scene in a timely manner.

If your commercial property in Overland Park, KS, has experienced water damage, you should call a certified water damage restoration service to schedule water cleanup as soon as possible. Check the website of the service you are thinking about hiring or contact the company by phone to find out which cleaning and restoration certifications it holds.

4 Steps to Make A Water Damage Claim

12/27/2022 (Permalink)

Filing An Insurance Claim

A water damage claim is more likely to be approved if a policyholder takes measures to document damage and gather important information. These four steps will guide a homeowner through the process of filing an insurance claim.

1. Review the Policy

It is important to know what a homeowner's insurance policy does and does not cover. Keep in mind that standard home insurance policies only cover water damage due to a pipe burst or leak. An endorsement is usually necessary for sewer backup coverage, and an additional flood policy is needed for damage caused by heavy rains or rising bodies of water.

2. Call Your Agent

Call your insurance agent and let them know about the extent of the damage. It is a good idea to determine whether it is likely that you will file a claim before calling. If the damage is minor and you want to avoid a rate increase, you may want to obtain an estimate from a mitigation service first and pay out of pocket. Some insurance companies require agents and adjusters to report potential claims.

3. Document the Damage

If you plan to file an insurance claim, you will need proof of damage. Capture the extent of the damage in photos or on video. This documentation may be even more useful if you also have dated footage of the residence before the damage took place. It is also useful to gather receipts, dates of purchase, and the prices of damaged contents.

4. Get an Estimate

Contact a water damage cleanup company to obtain an estimate of the total cost of mitigation and restoration. Providing this information to an adjuster can expedite the filing process.

These steps will guide you from determining what your policy will cover to filing an insurance claim. Obtain an estimate from a water damage mitigation and restoration company in Leawood, KS.

Chemical Versus Non-chemical Drain Cleaners

11/19/2022 (Permalink)

When showering results in an unintended bath or your sink looks like a pond in Prairie Village, KS, it is fairly safe to assume that you have a clogged drain. Should you choose a chemical drain cleaner? What are the other options?

Chemical Drain Cleaners

Advertisements for drain and sewage cleaning lead consumers to believe that using chemicals to dissolve a clogged drain is best. However, this may not always be the case.

• Cleaners use acid, oxidizing, or caustic chemicals to create heat, which in turn breaks down the built-up materials. Once the clog has weakened, the materials such as hair, fats, oils, and grease are flushed down the pipe.
• There are negatives to using these types of cleaners. First, the clog may get stuck further down risking a burst pipe and the need for a professional water restoration company. Second, chemicals are harmful to both the environment and people if touched or inhaled. Third, these cleaners can damage pipes especially if the pipes are old, plastic, or completely blocked.

Non-Chemical Drain Cleaners

When confronted with a slow-moving or blocked drain, there are safer yet efficient alternatives to consider.

• Mechanical options include a plunger or auger, commonly referred to as a snake, to unclog the problematic area. Using a snake is a fast-acting choice that results in the clog being pulled out of the drain completely or effectively pushed through.
• A biological option is an environmentally friendly enzymatic cleaner. This works best for shower clogs mainly consisting of hair, soap, and grease. The bacteria and enzymes typically dissolve the organic clog over the course of about 24 hours.

There is more than one method to deal with a clogged drain at your home in Prairie Village, KS. While a chemical cleaner may clear the clog, there are downfalls to using such a product. Homeowners may wish to consider more environmentally friendly mechanical or biological techniques instead. If none of these work, contact a professional.

The Best Tips for Water Mitigation

10/6/2022 (Permalink)

When you have a leaking water heater, it doesn’t take long for your Overland Park, KS, home to go from high and dry to a soggy mess. A failed water heater can come from many sources, but one thing is inevitable; once it goes south, it’s dragging your home down with it into the depths of a flooded house. So how do you handle the issues from a broken water heater?

Focus on Safety First

Unless you’re an expert plumber, installation technician, and electrician, you likely won’t have the skills to repair your hot water heater. Instead, you’ll need help from an outside specialist, but while you wait for help there are a number of things you can do to prevent further damage and ensure safety when dealing with a leaking water heater.

• Shut off the water. Prevent further leakage by shutting off water to the damaged hot water heater.

• Shut off the gas and/or electricity. Whether your hot water heater is gas or electric, damage can lead to a dangerous situation with the power source. Make sure to shut it off.

• Determine any electrical or other safety hazards. Water and home appliances often don’t mix, and it’s likely you have power outlets and/or appliances near your hot water heater. Make sure, before you enter the room, that there are no issues with standing water and exposed electrical outlets or cords. Use rubber gloves and make sure you’re grounded before touching any plugs or cords. Avoid stepping in standing water that may be in contact with electrical sources.

• Dry the area as thoroughly as possible. This should be done as quickly as possible to prevent water damage that can lead to waterlogged structures and black mold.

• Remove any waterlogged items. You may have to dispose of anything that’s been waterlogged enough to go sour or start to grow mildew or mold. One leaking water heater can lead to a host of other secondary damage issues.

 

How To Prepare for an Insurance Adjuster's Visit

7/29/2022 (Permalink)

The Insurance Adjuster works closely with our team from start to finish

When a homeowner suffers from devastating damage to their property, there are many issues to handle. During the process, a home adjuster must assess the damage to determine the value of the destruction. The assessment includes the costs of repair and cleanup, as well as any necessary restoration. To make the process go smoother, there are some valuable preparations to consider.

What Preparations Are Important Before the Adjuster Arrives?

Call your insurance agent as soon as possible after the event to make sure the damage is covered under your homeowner's policy. There may be an insurance claim filing deadline, so ask about that as well. Many other preparations are important to receive a fast response.

Make a list of all damaged and destroyed belongings and furniture. If possible, include the approximate age of each item and the cost to replace it. Take pictures of the damage as well, because it's important for the home adjuster to review the damage at the time of the catastrophe.
If the house is safe to occupy, inspect the structure thoroughly. Look for cracks in the drywall and ceiling, and make a note of each damaged structure.
Before you submit the damage list and any receipts, make a copy for your records.
Request repair bids from licensed contractors in Overland Park, KS. These bids will speed up the claims process.
To protect your home from additional destruction, remove damaged furniture from the house. Keep it in the garage or outside, however, because the adjuster will need to examine it. If the damage is extensive, call an emergency restoration service right away.

It's critical to remember that flood damage is excluded under a general homeowner's policy. The federal government offers a separate policy for flood insurance claims.
The more preparations you take before the home adjuster arrives, the quicker your claim will be processed. This will help you get your house back to its original condition as soon as possible.

4 Things To Do When Making a Water Damage Insurance Claim

5/23/2022 (Permalink)

Water damage Water damage in a home in Overland Park, KS.

Water Damage Insurance Claim

If your home has been damaged during or after a storm in Overland Park, KS, then you will likely need to make an insurance claim. If this is not something that you have done before, then the process can be overwhelming. Taking the following steps will help you get through it more easily.

1. Call Your Insurance Agent
One of the first things you should do is contact your insurance agent to start your insurance claim. This will get things moving in the right direction. Some companies have a limit for how long you can wait to make a claim, so the sooner you do this, the better.

2. Read Over Your Policy
Most people don’t have their insurance policies committed to memory. If it has been a while since you’ve looked over yours, take time to do this while you wait for an insurance adjuster to inspect your home. Make sure you know what is covered and what is expected of you.

3. Document the Flood Damage
An insurance adjuster will need to inspect your house, but that doesn’t mean that you have to sit around and wait for them. In the meantime, you can take pictures of damaged areas and belongings to give to the adjuster. It can also be helpful to make a list of affected items and their values. Gather relevant receipts if you have them.

4. Start the Mitigation Process
Water damage from severe weather or a pipe burst can quickly get worse if it is not removed right away, leading to a lengtheir restoration process. A professional remediation company can begin mitigation and repairs even if you are still waiting for an adjuster. They can also help you document the damage if necessary.
Dealing with damage to your home can be stressful, but filing an insurance claim doesn’t need to be difficult. Starting the process as soon as possible and familiarizing yourself with your policy can save you time and energy. Address any damage right away, even if you are still waiting for an adjuster, to make repairs easier.

How To Dry Hard Wood Floors After a Pipe Burst in Your Office

3/11/2022 (Permalink)

Drying hardwood floors after a pipe burst in your office is crucial to prevent permanent damage to the wood and avoid the growth of mold and mildew. Here are the steps you can take to dry your hardwood floors effectively:

  1. Turn off the water source: If you haven't already, turn off the water supply to prevent any further damage.

  2. Remove standing water: Use a wet/dry vacuum or a mop to remove any standing water from the hardwood floor. Make sure to use a mop or cloth that is damp, not wet, to avoid saturating the wood.

  3. Open windows and doors: Increase ventilation in the room by opening windows and doors to allow the air to circulate. This will help to speed up the drying process.

  4. Use fans and dehumidifiers: Place fans and dehumidifiers in the room to help dry out the floors. Make sure the fans are pointed towards the wet area and the dehumidifier is set to a low humidity level.

  5. Monitor the moisture level: Check the moisture level of the hardwood floor using a moisture meter. Continue drying until the moisture level is within a safe range.

  6. Sand and refinish the floor: Once the floor is completely dry, sand and refinish it to restore its original look.

It's important to act quickly when dealing with water damage to hardwood floors. The longer the wood stays wet, the greater the risk of permanent damage and mold growth. If you're unsure of how to proceed, it's best to seek the help of a professional water damage restoration company.

3 Reasons To Hire Certified Water Damage Experts

2/17/2022 (Permalink)

This business suffered from water loss after a leak. The team at SERVPRO responded and began mitigation. Call us when you need it!

Three Reasons To Hire Water Damage Experts

Certified companies that specialize in water cleanup are likely to hold an Institute of Inspection Cleaning and Restoration Certification, a Commercial Structure Drying credential, or a Mold Remediation certification.

The standards for these credentials are set by experts in human health and structural restoration. Here are three reasons why you should hire a certified water damage expert if you experience a broken pipe, leaky roof, or sewer flooding.

Insurance companies are more likely to cover the costs of certified commercial restoration. Insurance companies typically trust certified professionals to perform water cleanup and damage repair work more quickly and with greater success than services without up-to-date cleaning and restoration certifications.

Certified companies are also more likely to guarantee their work.

Certified experts can work efficiently after water damage. Every second counts when you are dealing with water damage. Regardless of the source of the leak, it is important to remove standing water and to clean, dry, and dehumidify the parts of a commercial property affected by a leak as quickly as possible. Significant damage can occur and mold may begin to develop in 24 to 48 hours if experts do not complete drying and cleaning procedures.

Less secondary damage occurs when certified experts follow best restoration practices. Just as mold is less likely to develop if the affected area is quickly dried and cleaned, the extent of water damage to building materials or content may be less severe if experts arrive on the scene in a timely manner.

If your commercial property in Overland Park, KS, has experienced water damage, you should call a certified water damage restoration service to schedule water cleanup as soon as possible. Check the website of the service you are thinking about hiring or contact the company by phone to find out which cleaning and restoration certifications it holds.

4 Steps To Make a Water Damage Claim

12/27/2021 (Permalink)

Water damage in Leawood, KS.

Filing An Insurance Claim

A water damage claim is more likely to be approved if a policyholder takes measures to document damage and gather important information. These four steps will guide a homeowner through the process of filing an insurance claim.

1. Review the Policy

It is important to know what a homeowner's insurance policy does and does not cover. Keep in mind that standard home insurance policies only cover water damage due to a pipe burst or leak. An endorsement is usually necessary for sewer backup coverage, and an additional flood policy is needed for damage caused by heavy rains or rising bodies of water.

2. Call Your Agent

Call your insurance agent and let them know about the extent of the damage. It is a good idea to determine whether it is likely that you will file a claim before calling. If the damage is minor and you want to avoid a rate increase, you may want to obtain an estimate from a mitigation service first and pay out of pocket. Some insurance companies require agents and adjusters to report potential claims.

3. Document the Damage

If you plan to file an insurance claim, you will need proof of damage. Capture the extent of the damage in photos or on video. This documentation may be even more useful if you also have dated footage of the residence before the damage took place. It is also useful to gather receipts, dates of purchase, and the prices of damaged contents.

4. Get an Estimate

Contact a water damage cleanup company to obtain an estimate of the total cost of mitigation and restoration. Providing this information to an adjuster can expedite the filing process.

These steps will guide you from determining what your policy will cover to filing an insurance claim. Obtain an estimate from a water damage mitigation and restoration company in Leawood, KS.

Chemical Versus Non-Chemical Drain Cleaners

11/19/2021 (Permalink)

Should you choose a chemical drain cleaner?

When showering results in an unintended bath or your sink looks like a pond in Prairie Village, KS, it is fairly safe to assume that you have a clogged drain. Should you choose a chemical drain cleaner? What are the other options?

Chemical Drain Cleaners

Advertisements for drain and sewage cleaning lead consumers to believe that using chemicals to dissolve a clogged drain are best. However, this may not always be the case.

• Cleaners use acid, oxidizing or caustic chemicals to create heat, which in turn breaks down the built up materials. Once the clog has weakened, the materials such as hair, fats, oils and grease are flushed down the pipe.
• There are negatives to using these types of cleaners. First, the clog may get stuck further down risking a burst pipe and the need for a professional water restoration company. Second, chemicals are harmful to both the environment and people if touched or inhaled. Third, these cleaners can damage pipes especially if the pipes are old, plastic or completely blocked.

Non-Chemical Drain Cleaners

When confronted with a slow moving or blocked drain, there are safer yet efficient alternatives to consider.

• Mechanical options include a plunger or auger, commonly referred to as a snake, to unclog the problematic area. Using a snake is a fast-acting choice that results in the clog being pulled out of the drain completely or effectively pushed through.
• A biological option is an environmentally friendly enzymatic cleaner. This works best for shower clogs mainly consisting of hair, soap and grease. The bacteria and enzymes typically dissolve the organic clog over the course of about 24 hours.

There is more than one method to deal with a clogged drain at your home in Prairie Village, KS. While a chemical cleaner may clear the clog, there are downfalls to using such a product. Homeowners may wish to consider more environmentally friendly mechanical or biological techniques instead. If none of these work, contact a professional.

Best Tips For A Leaky Water Heater

10/6/2021 (Permalink)

Water Heater Water Mitigation Dry the area as thoroughly as possible.

Best Tips For a Leaky Water Heater

When you have a leaking water heater, it doesn’t take long for your Overland Park, KS, home to go from dry to flooded property. A failed water heater can come from many sources, but one thing is inevitable; once it starts to leak, if it goes unnoticed it has the potential of serious water damage. So how do you handle the issues of a leaky water heater?

Focus on Safety First

Unless you’re an expert plumber, installation technician, and electrician, you likely won’t have the skills needed to repair your hot water heater yourself. Instead, you’ll need help from an outside specialist, but while you wait for help there are a number of things you can do to prevent further damage and ensure safety when dealing with a leaking water heater.

• Shut off the water. Prevent further leakage by shutting off the water supply to the damaged hot water heater.

• Shut off the gas and/or electricity. Whether your hot water heater is gas or electric, damage can lead to a dangerous situation with the source of power. Make sure to shut it off to prevent further home damage.

• Determine any electrical or other safety hazards. Water and home appliances don’t mix, and it’s likely you have power outlets and/or appliances near your hot water heater. Make sure, before you enter the room, that there are no issues with standing water and exposed electrical outlets or cords. Use rubber gloves and make sure you’re grounded before touching any plugs or cords. Avoid stepping in standing water that may be in contact with electrical sources.

• Dry the area as thoroughly as possible. This should be done as quickly as possible to prevent water damage that can lead to waterlogged structures and black mold.

• Remove any waterlogged items. Best practice is to dispose of anything that’s been waterlogged that could start to grow mildew or mold. One leaking water heater can lead to a host of other secondary damage issues.

If your water heater leaks, call the professional to handle your water mitigation, remediation, and reconstruction. We will ensure to make it "Like it Never Even Happened".

How To Keep Water Out of Your Crawl Space

7/15/2021 (Permalink)

You may not always know you have a wet crawl space unless it turns into a mold problem, but you can take measures to prevent it.

How To Keep Water Out of Your Crawl Space

A wet crawl space is not something you want to ignore. While it may not seem to affect your home, unattended leaks can cause mold growth that only restoration experts can combat. There are several ways that water can get into the crawl space, but fortunately, there are also ways to prevent it.

Proper Gutter Care

Common culprits in crawl space flooding are your gutters. There are several ways your gutters could cause moisture problems:

  • Gutters clogged with dirt or debris
  • Downspouts pointed toward house
  • Missing or damaged downspout
  • Cracked gutters

The solution to this problem is simple. Take good care of your gutters, and they will do the job they are designed to do, which is directing water away from your home instead of toward it.

Smart Landscaping

Another thing you can do to direct water away from your house and avoid a wet crawl space is to make sure you have a slope away from the foundation. It should slope 6-8 inches, and you need to check it periodically to make sure that it hasn't been washed out by rainfall or lawn care. You can also protect your crawl space by not overwatering the flower beds that are close to your house. Don't leave the water running unattended. Give the plants just what they need to thrive and turn the water off.

Home Inspection

Water leaks in your home can trickle to your crawl space. It's best to catch the leak before it gets there, not just so you can fix the source of the problem but also so that you can do so while the problem is still confined to an area that is easy to access. If you notice signs of a flood in your home in Leawood, KS, call repair technicians as soon as possible to avoid leaks into lower areas of your home.

You may not always know you have a wet crawl space unless it turns into a mold problem, but you can take measures to prevent it. Protecting the area at the foundation of your home is essential to keeping your home free from water damage. 

4 Tools That Can Help You Clear Your Clogged Drains

3/11/2021 (Permalink)

The first tool most DIYers reach for to remedy clogged pipes is a plunger.

Get The Right Tool For The Job

Any pipe can become clogged. When this happens, you need to act fast to avoid a pipe break that will require you to hire a water restoration company. Your first option is going to be to hire a plumber. However, this can be costly and inconvenient. Fortunately, there are a few DIY options when it comes to dislodging clogs. You will need to get the right tool for the job.

1. Plunger
The first tool most DIYers reach for to remedy clogged pipes is a plunger. These will remove clogs found in sinks, tubs, toilets, and more. You probably already have one of these in your home for emergencies.

2. Cable Auger
If you can't clear your clogged pipe with a plunger, the debris is probably a good distance into the pipe, and you will need to invest in a cable auger, also known as a drain snake. Any hardware store in Prairie Village, KS, should have a range of snake options from 25 feet to 100 feet long.

3. Closet Auger
A closet auger is a snake that is specifically made for toilets. It will still come with a crank to help you work the tip down the toilet, but the cable will be housed in a shaft rather than a coiled spool. Also, the manufacturer will shape the tip so you can easily work it through the kinks in your toilet.

4. Electric Auger
Cloggs that are really far in your pipe or ultra-stubborn, you may want an electric auger. This machine will cut through any clog, even tough tree roots. Before using this, make sure you understand how to extend the cable and reel it back in safely.
Whether you can clear your stopped drain with a plunger or need the power of an electric auger, this DIY task is a great one to know. It can save you the time and money it would take to hire a plumber and help you keep your pipes clear.

How To Care for Water-Damaged Wood Flooring

2/16/2021 (Permalink)

Wood floor can sustain significant damage after large amounts of water.

Wood Floor Replacement

Wood floors in a commercial building can sustain significant damage after a pipe burst or other exposure to large amounts of water. It is necessary to respond to water damage quickly to salvage flooring in a structure located in Overland Park, KS.

Extract Standing Water
Wood is a porous material. While commercial wood floors may be varnished to reduce permeability, it is still necessary to remove water quickly. Any of the following methods may be effective, depending on the quantity of water:

  • Mop and bucket
  • Pump
  • Wet-dry vacuum

Removing water from a wood floor as soon as possible can limit the degree of damage. Wood may start to become discolored or warped within a matter of hours and may not be salvageable after days of saturation.

Dry the Floor
After removing water, direct drying methods such as applying towels to the surface and indirect methods such as air movers, fans, or dehumidifiers can promote drying. If a pipe burst causes damage and water is removed within hours, no disinfection is necessary. Exposure to contaminated water calls for cleaning and disinfection and may necessitate tearing out and replacing wood flooring.

Restore Damaged Wood
There are several ways to recover wood that has sustained damage from water. Resurfacing wood by sanding can eliminate cupping, which involves floorboards that have become concave or convex due to exposure to moisture. It may be necessary to sand off paint or finish if mold forms underneath this layer of a wet floor prior to treating, drying, and refinishing.
Removing standing water from wood floors as soon as possible is essential for limiting damage. Over time, wood may become discolored or warped. In cases where water remains present for an extended period of time, such as a pipe burst that is not immediately detected at a building in Overland Park, KS, it may be necessary to replace wood floors.

How To Flush a Water Heater

1/3/2021 (Permalink)

Keep your water heater in Prairie Village, KS, running smoothly

When you conduct regular maintenance on your water heater, it will stay in good condition longer and reduce the risk of costly repairs. Your maintenance plan should include periodically flushing your heater.

Let's Look At The Steps Involved

1. Turn the Heater Off

If you own an electric heater, turn off the supply line at the circuit breaker. For gas heaters, make sure the pilot is extinguished.


2. Attach the Hose
Using a standard garden hose, connect it to the drain valve. Make sure the loose end isn't placed near an area that would be negatively affected by the sediment or water. Don't forget to wear gloves to protect against hot water. If you encounter water damage during the process, call a water damage repair service as soon as possible.

3. Drain the Water
Drain the water heater tank by opening the drain valve. Turn on a hot water faucet in the kitchen to help the water drain more quickly. When the water flow begins to slow down, turn off the supply valve. When the water stops, turn the water supply valve on to quickly flush the system and then close it again.

4. Shut Off the Valves
Once the water heater flush is completed, close all the valves. Then, turn on the water supply and keep an eye on the kitchen faucet. When the water comes out smooth and without bursts of air, this means the tank is full again.


5. Turn the Power Back On
After the tank is full, turn on the power to the unit. Make sure the heating element is functional as well. Never turn the power on until you are sure the tank is full since this can damage the unit. Don't forget to turn off the kitchen faucet.
Keep your water heater in Prairie Village, KS, running smoothly for years with a little routine maintenance.

Dealing With Damage to Carpets and Other Items After Flooding

11/20/2020 (Permalink)

Wet carpets are salvageable

Dealing With Damage to Carpets and Other Items After Flooding

If you have had a pipe break or other flooding event in Overland Park, KS, many of your items have likely been inundated with water. You are probably wondering whether removed items can be returned to their previous places. You may also be concerned about the possibility of a mold infestation. The future of your items depends on the length of their exposure to moisture and the source of the floodwater in your home.

Water Sources
Most flooding in residential homes comes from clean sources of water such as:

  • A pipe break
  • Broken supply lines
  • Leaky faucets
  • Other major leaks

When flooding is caused by clean sources, you can return your items as long as they can be properly dried. Because mold can grow very quickly after flooding, it is essential that you dry your possessions as soon as possible. If any large item was soaked for more than 24 hours, you should replace it.
Dirty water caused by septic overflows or large-scale flooding may contain contaminants that are difficult to get out of carpets and other items. If you have a carpet that spans the entire area of the flooded space in your home, it is generally more cost-effective to replace it than to try to clean and restore it after exposure to contaminated water.

Evaluating Your Items
The first step in the restoration process is to remove furniture and other objects to a higher, drier location. Dry immovable carpeting by opening windows and turn on as many fans as possible. You should inspect every surface of each item of concern. Sometimes, the tops of rugs or other flat items are dry while there is still moisture underneath. Similarly, material inside furniture can be wet even if the outside is dry.
After a pipe break or other flood in your home, you may be unsure what to do. Once you have stopped the flow of water, you may need to have dry wall torn out and your home may require other intensive remediation. A restoration professional can help guide you through the process.

2 Plumbing Fixes Landlords Should Know

9/1/2020 (Permalink)

If you notice your faucet has been leaking you should repair it as soon as possible

Quick Repairs a Landlord Will Probably Have To Do

Plumbing issues can occur in rental properties, especially if you have older pipes, like polybutylene pipes. Although some issues will require a plumber, you should be able to handle some things on your own. This can save you from having to hire remediation professionals to repair extensive damage. Here are a couple of quick repairs you will probably have to do while you are a landlord.

1. Leaky Faucets
When a faucet leaks, it is generally due to one of two reasons. It could be that the nuts at the base of the faucet are loose and need to be tightened. If that doesn't fix it, the faucet is probably leaking because the washer inside the handle is worn and needs to be replaced. To make this repair, you should start by turning off the water supply to the sink. Use caution if you have older plumbing, such as polybutylene pipes. Once the water is off, remove the faucet handle by undoing the screws. Sometimes these screws may be hidden or under a plastic cap. Once you get the handle off, you will find the old washer. Simply replace the washer with a new one and replace the handle. This simple trick could prevent water damage to your property.

2. Clogged Toilets
Luckily, tenets should be able to take care of clogged toilets on their own, especially if you left them a plunger. If you have a tenet call you for a stubborn clog, ask him to wait ten minutes. Then, have him try again, making sure that he covers the hole completely with the plunger to get a good seal. If this doesn't work, you may want to try with a snake. Simply put the wire snake down the hole until you feel the clog. Turn the snake clockwise to grab the clog and pull it out.
If you have older plumbing, like polybutylene pipes, you are going to encounter some issues. However, if you know how to do some basic fixes, you can save yourself time and money as a landlord in Leawood, KS.

Black Mold: Understanding Secondary Damage

5/26/2020 (Permalink)

Water damage can cause mold

In cases where your house in Overland Park, KS has been damaged by a flooded area causing high humidity within your home, there are secondary damage factors that are important to understand and remove. One of the most prominent of these factors is black mold. You don’t want to get caught out months down the line having to repair mold damage that could have been taken care of in the initial repair stages.

What Incidents To Be Aware of

These are a few of the most common types of water-related occurrences that are likely to lead to spore-related damage:

  • Roof or wall leak
  • Pipe leak either in the walls or in a sink cabinet
  • Partial or full flooding of a room
  • Poorly ventilated bathrooms
  • Humidity due to aquariums or weather conditions

Keep in mind that these are the types of incidents that could lead to black mold living in your home. If you want to be certain of any mold presence from high humidity in your home, you can seek the advice of a professional water clean up and restoration service.

What Is Secondary Damage Doing To My Home?
Unfortunately, after a primary damage factor such as flooding, the aftereffects could be just as bad or worse than the initial problem. The spores that attach inside the walls or across the ceiling in your home could be creating soft spots that need to be repaired or completely replaced in the future. More than just creating a home for mold, water damage can lead to such issues as walls buckling, drywall cracking and splitting apart or vinyl flooring pulling away from the ground. All of these issues can be frustrating but are more easily avoided if the primary damage is taken care of quickly and efficiently.
While there are many types of secondary damage caused by water-related incidents, one that is particularly difficult to deal with is black mold. Assessing the likelihood of spore presence in your home directly after an incident can help you take care of a problem before it takes hold of your home.

Cleaning Up Commercial Sewage Spills

5/11/2020 (Permalink)

A sewer cleanup is a problem that requires high tech equipment and specialized knowledge

Here Are Three Things To Know About The Process

Yes, it's gross. No one wants to deal with a sewer cleanup. The filth is everywhere, seeping into the carpets, drywall, and fixtures. Without a doubt, the water is contaminated with high levels of microorganisms, making the establishment a major hazard for employees and clients. This isn't the job for a few cans of bleach. Rather, business owners in Overland Park, KS, should turn to a reputable water restoration company. The team can work to sanitize the building and belongings. Here are three things to know about the process.

1. Establish Boundaries
When a sewer backup happens, the moisture gets much further than you'd suspect. Within a very short amount of time, the liquid penetrates into the foundation and walls, making its way to other rooms or crevices. When the crew arrives, they can inspect the area, evaluating the depth of the problem. Then, they can section off rooms that have issues. No one without authorization goes in or out. Because of the bacteria and fungal growths, these spaces are now cut off.

2. Dry It Up, and Tear It Out
Part of sewer cleanup is removing heavily saturated porous items. The experts, most likely, will take out the drenched carpeting and baseboards. This not only removes much of the pollution, but it helps to speed up the drying process. Other materials can be relocated for content cleaning purposes. Finally, the rooms must be aired out, usually with professional dehumidifiers.

3. Replace and Restore
Even a flooded toilet can make quite the mess. With the room now bone dry, the staff members get to work spraying the area with antimicrobial chemicals, refusing to let anything remain. Then, anything salvaged is brought back in only after a meticulous scrubbing. New items are bought and installed.
A sewer cleanup is a problem that requires high tech equipment and specialized knowledge. You'll need to limit movement and gut the spaces. With that complete, the business can be put back together again.

How Do You Care for Wet Items After Water Damage?

4/16/2020 (Permalink)

Bathroom flooding in an Overland Park, KS home

Steps to Keep Your Items Safe After Water Damage

When you have water in your home in Overland Park, KS, it is likely that some of your belongings will be affected by the water. There are certain steps you can take in order to keep your items safe.

1. Eliminate the Source of Water

Before you can begin to assess what damage has occurred and start taking care of your items, you should make sure that water does not continue to flood your home if possible. If the water is coming from a broken pipe, for example, turning off the water entirely is likely the quickest way to stop the flow of water. By stopping the source of water, you can prevent additional items from becoming damaged.

2. Allow Items to Dry

Once the water in your home has been removed, you may be tempted to start moving items and cleaning what has been damaged immediately. However, some of your belongings may need to dry before they can be restored. For example, documents and photographs should be handled when dry in order to prevent further damage, cushions and cloth items can be more manageable to move when dry.

3. Appropriately Sanitize Items

When the area affected by water is dry in your home, you can begin make a better assessment of what can be cleaned and what should be replaced. Items that are not badly damaged and that are not affected by mold may only require dry cleaning, which is a relatively quick process. However, you may need to use strong cleaning products on items if they have been left in standing water. When choosing how to sanitize your belongings, it’s often helpful to make sure you are using the appropriate product on each item.

Knowing the appropriate steps to take if water in your home has damaged items can help you feel more prepared. As you begin to clean your personal belongings, it may be helpful to contact water damage professionals who can help to restore your home and your belongings.

How to Properly Snake a Clogged Pipe

2/14/2020 (Permalink)

Using a drain snake will make the job easy

If you have tried fixing your clogged drain in Prairie Village, KS with conventional cleaning products or a plunger and the drain is still stopped, it is time to give a drain auger a try. Sometimes called a drain snake, this device has a heavy-duty steel coil cable that is pushed into the drain to break up the blockage and pull it out. Because the cable is made of flexible steel, it can bend around the curve of the pipe to go much deeper than an inflexible gadget can. There are many options available to purchase online, including manual and electrical models, but you can also rent one quite cheaply from a rental center. There are a few easy steps to follow to unclog your drain.

Steps in Using a Drain Snake

Place the snake into the opening of the drain and turn the drum handle. This allows the snake to start moving into the drain.
Keep cranking on the handle until there is some resistance. At this point, you may need to push a bit harder to allow the snake to go around the pipe curve. Just be careful not to apply too much pressure or it could cause a pipe break.
After going around the curve, the snake will hit up against the obstruction. If the clog is in one solid piece, the snake head will either break it into pieces or it will catch on the tip of the snake. Pulling the snake out will pull the clog out along with it. Any smaller pieces that had broken off the larger clog can be flushed down the drain.
Let the water run at full power for a couple of minutes. This will ensure that the drain is no longer clogged.

Most clogged drains can be fixed without having to call a plumber. Using a drain snake will make the job easy.

Residential Water_68_Keeping Your Crawl Space Dry

12/13/2019 (Permalink)

If you find yourself with a wet crawl space, be sure to dry it quickly and take precautions to prevent another flood

A wet crawl space in your Prairie Village, KS, home can cause serious problems. In many cases, though, it is possible to prevent a flood in the first place.
How To Keep Your Crawl Space Dry
There are a few simple precautionary measures you can take to protect your crawl space. These include the following:

  • Grade lawn away from home
  • Clean gutters regularly
  • Install a sump pump
  • Encapsulate crawl space

Make sure your lawn slopes away from your house so that water can flow away, rather than into, your crawlspace. Maintain your gutters so that they work properly. Additionally, you may wish to put a sump pump in your crawl space. This is a device that will pump any water out of your crawl space before it becomes a problem. Make sure to keep the pump maintained so that it is working well when you need it. Crawl space encapsulation is another way to prevent flooding. Essentially, encapsulation is sealing off the area with a waterproof barrier. Depending on your home's unique requirements, you may need to take one or more of the above precautions to keep your crawlspace clean and dry.

How To Dry a Crawl Space

Even though a wet crawl space might not seem like a threat to the rest of your home, the moisture can result in mold growth and structural damage. It is important to address the problem quickly to prevent further complications. The first step is removing all soaked materials that are in the crawl space so that you can address them separately. Then use pumps to remove the standing water. Afterwards, clean any mold on the surfaces. You can use a bleach mixture or a commercial mold cleaner. Finally, dry out the remaining moisture using a dehumidifier or fans.
If you find yourself with a wet crawl space, be sure to dry it quickly and take precautions to prevent another flood. A professional restoration team can help you get your home back to normal quickly and safely.

The Who, What, When, Where and Why of Basement Flooding

10/30/2019 (Permalink)

Flooded basement in Overland Park, KS

The Who, What, When, Where and Why of Basement Flooding

Flooding is a phenomenon that can humble a homeowner in Overland Park, KS. The power of water is always intimidating to face. Take it slow and assess your situation before moving forward.

Why Is It Flooded?

A basement flood can come from a lot of different places. Oftentimes those sources are out of your control. If the flood is weather related, you will need to wait until the storm has passed and your yard is no longer flooded before you can do anything about your basement. Some common examples of sources of flooding are:

  • Heavy rain or storm
  • Pipe rupture
  • Appliance malfunction
  • Improper basement sealing

What Can You Do?

The first thing you should take care of is stopping the flow of water, if possible, by turning off the main water line. Then you can minimize the hazard to your safety by turning off the electricity and wearing protective gear like boots and gloves. You can rent submersible pumps from hardware or construction stores to get all the water out of there. Be sure to point the loose end of the pump away from the house, preferably into a storm drain. Then you will need thoroughly dry everything so that you don't end up growing mold, as well.

Who Should You Call?

If you don't have any experience with pumps, it's probably a good idea to call a professional water damage remediation company. They have specialized knowledge and tools to thoroughly remove all signs that there was a flood. They can handle every aspect of the situation, including pipe repair. They will also know exactly what will need to be thrown away, and what can be restored. You should also call your insurance to find out if they will cover the costs.
Each and every flooding scenario is different, depending on the circumstances of its origin and the capabilities of your household. Exercise precaution and don't make any hasty decisions. Your basement is counting on you!

Minimizing Water Heater Leaking

8/27/2019 (Permalink)

Leaking water heater in Prairie Village, KS

Water damage can come from a myriad of sources, but few are as costly as a leaking water heater. In addition to the cleaning and possible restoration of your home and belongings, the broken water heater in and of itself is quite expensive to fix, replace, and install. Not all water heaters are fixable, but those that are have the potential to be repaired during the professional water mitigation process in Prairie Village, KS.

Causes of Water Heater Leaking

There are a number of factors that can contribute to water damage and mold growth as a result of a leaking water heater. The most common reasons include:

  • Loose drain valve: these are often slow leaks and will only create more serious problems when left unchecked for an extended period of time
  • Too much pressure in the tank: when the water heater is set at too high a temperature, if water flow into the tank is set at too high a pressure, or if the pressure relief valve is defective, the tank will begin to leak in order to relieve pressure
  • Tank is too old: corrosion and rust naturally occur in tanks, so water will inevitably leak over time

Mitigating Water Damage

The only way to truly prevent water damage due to a leaking water heater is to keep close watch over the area on a regular basis. Ensure valves are secure, but not too tight as this will also cause a breakage and leakage. Know the age of your tank, as well as its life expectancy, and plan your finances accordingly in order to replace the tank before a problem occurs. Finally, always follow the tank’s recommended guidelines on water temperature and pressure, as undue force will greatly reduce the life of the tank. A broken water heater can be detrimental to your home and the space in which it occupies, so working with water mitigation professionals is an ideal way to keep your home safe from water and mold damage.

How To React When a Pipe Bursts in Your Home

6/14/2019 (Permalink)

A burst pipe can allow huge amounts of water to come into your house

What to Do if a Pipe Burts in Your Home

Bursting pipes can occur without warning and can devastate homes in Overland Park, KS. It can be easy to feel overwhelmed when an issue suddenly occurs in your home, but knowing what to do if a pipe bursts can help you react in a timely manner.

1. Stop the Flowing Water

A burst pipe can allow huge amounts of water to come into your house in a very short period of time, and more water in your home will likely mean more damage. Using the shutoff valve, which is often located in basements or garages, will turn off the water to your entire house. Other issues may also require you to turn off the water in your home, so it’s generally helpful to know how to cut off the supply of water before any problems arise.

2. Turn Off the Power

The amount of water bursting pipes can bring into the home can create electrical hazards. In order to keep yourself safe and to minimize the risk of an electrical fire, it’s generally wise to turn off the power to your residence. Additionally, it’s often best not to touch any items that use electricity or any electrical outlets even after you have turned off your home’s power.

3. Ask for Help

After the water is no longer flowing into your home and your home no longer has power, it’s often best to contact a plumber and water damage restoration expert. A plumber can fix the broken pipe and can assess your other tubes to make sure they aren’t also at risk of bursting. Restoration specialists can assist you in removing water from your home and can restore personal belongings that were damaged by the water.

It’s often helpful for homeowners to know what to do if a problem such as bursting pipes occurs. Stopping the flow of water, turning off your home’s power and contacting professionals in restoration can help to decrease the cost, time and stress spent dealing with a burst pipe.

3 Benefits of Hiring Certified Water Damage Experts

4/17/2019 (Permalink)

Call SERVPRO, certified professionals who have knowledge and experience in water damage.

Three Main Reasons Of Hiring Certified Water Damage Experts

The Institute of Inspection Cleaning and Restoration Certification sets the standard for the cleaning and restoration industry. When your commercial property in Leawood, KS, needs professional water cleanup, you want to make sure that you are hiring experienced, knowledgeable technicians, and certification by the IICRC helps to ensure that certain expectations will be met. There are many benefits to hiring certified water damage experts, but here are three of the main reasons it is in your business’s best interest to do so.

1. Quality Training

When a remediation company is certified by the IICRC, you know its technicians are well-trained to perform extensive damage repair and restoration. These experts know the difference between what to do with a flood caused by a broken pipe and how to handle a collapsed ceiling from a massive toilet overflow on the second floor. Each separate certification is for a different area of expertise so that technicians can hone their skills.

2. Field Experience

Certified water cleanup professionals are not novice workers. Because a certain amount of hands-on experience is required for certification, you can rest assured that you are hiring someone who has worked on similar problems before and has learned from that experience. You never know if new companies with uncertified technicians know what they are doing, but you can be confident in the work of those with the backing of the IICRC.

3. Continuous Learning

Certification offers the opportunity for continuing education. New technologies offer better techniques for commercial drying specialists so that they can keep mold growth from forming in your building. By staying engaged in the learning process, certified technicians can stay up-to-date on the latest innovations in their industry so that they can better serve their customers and keep secondary damage at bay or at least at a minimum.

When it comes to water cleanup in your commercial building, you don’t want to settle for the first name you find in the local directory. Look for certified professionals who have knowledge, experience and willingness to learn.

How To Take Care of Wet Items After Water Damage

3/14/2019 (Permalink)

Contact restoration professionals in Leawood, KS area

How to Take Care For Your Belongings After Water Damage

Water in your home can affect both the structure of your house and your personal belongings. After your home in Leawood, KS, has been affected by water damage, it can be helpful to know how to care for your belongings that are also damaged.

1. Keep Items Dry

Whether the water damage was caused by a broken pipe or a natural disaster, it’s important to keep the belongings in your home as dry as possible. Removing water and making sure more water cannot get into your home is often useful, and making sure your home is well-ventilated can help your belongings dry quickly. Keeping your items dry can also keep mold from growing, which can further damage belongings and can make cleaning and restoring the items more difficult.

2. Contact Restoration Professionals When Necessary

Although there are some belongings that you can likely clean yourself after you’ve experienced water in your home, delicate items such as photographs, documents or paintings can be difficult to clean and restore. If you have fragile items that have been damaged, it can be wise to employ water damage restoration professionals. Professionals will ensure your items are handled with care and can use specialized treatments that you may not have access to at home.

3. Clean With Caution

It’s often important to look at the type of materials you’re using as you clean items within your home. Using the wrong type of treatments can actually cause more damage to your belongings. While dry cleaning may be helpful for items made of cloth, more abrasive treatments may be necessary for items with more extensive damage. If items are cleaned quickly and appropriately, they are likely to sustain less damage overall.

Although water in your home can be devastating, there are steps you can take to take care of your belongings. Keeping your belongings dry, contacting a restoration company to assist with caring for more delicate items and making sure to clean items with the right materials can help mitigate the damage to your belongings.

One Misstep in Your Vacation Planning May Result in Costly Damage

1/23/2019 (Permalink)

A water leak caused to this property an amount of water damage

When you plan a vacation, you stress over every little detail. You plan your flights so that you have enough time between connections to account for delays and terminal transfers. You pack one or two cold weather outfits even though you're going to the tropics, just in case. You fill your toiletries bag with vials of medicine, even though neither you nor any of your family members get sick very often. You're more than ready for a week out of the cold, or are you? If you haven't thought about the possibility of a broken pipe and preventing the need for a water pipe repair, you are not prepared.

7 Steps To Preventing Costly Damage

Frozen pipes often lead to extensive and costly water damage throughout the whole home. If an exterior pipe freezes, it can cause a backup in all your pipes. As the pressure builds up, it will look for a way to escape. Typically, escape involves finding weak spots in your pipes and bursting them. You can prevent this who process from happening by doing the following:

  1. Inspect all your pipes and water appliances for leaks, cracks or fissures. If you discover a weak spot, perform a water pipe repair with caulk or plumbers' tape.
  2. Check all the hoses on your washing machine, dishwasher, refrigerator, and other appliances. Unkink any kinks.
  3. Clear your gutters of debris.
  4. Examine your sump pump to ensure that it is in good working order. If you have the means, invest in a backup just in case your basement does become flooded while you're gone.
  5. Insulate exposed pipes and shut off the water supply to pipes that lead outdoors and that you're not currently using. Be sure to drain them as well.
  6. Have a friend, family member or neighbor come over to check on your home while you're gone.
  7. If no one can check on your home, turn off the water at the main. Drain the pipes and leave cupboards under the sink open to allow heat in.

When Your Pipes Do Burst

If your pipes burst regardless of your efforts, contact a Leawood, KS, water restoration team. You may also need to call in a plumber to perform an extensive water pipe repair.

3 Steps To Take When Making a Water Damage Claim

10/10/2018 (Permalink)

Flooding damage in an Overland Park,KS home

It can be hard to plan for flooding and how it might affect your Overland Park, KS, home. However, there are a few ways you can prepare in case an incident should occur. Knowing how to make a flood insurance claim is one way you can be ready to handle the damage, and there are a few steps you can take when the time comes to file.

1. Contact Your Agent

Once you and your family are safely out of your damaged home, it is a good idea to call your insurance agent right away. Let them know the details of the flooding, such as where it came from, how deep the standing water is and what you need to do in order to get your claim started. Your agent can advise you about whether you can file from your insurance app or if they need to send a claims adjuster out to evaluate the damage.

2. Take Photos

Documenting flood damage for your insurance claim can help you retain proof of what you file. However, it is important that you only take photos if you can do so safely. Remember to leave items as they are for the photos so your insurance company can help you estimate the cost of the damage before cleanup efforts begin.

3. Call in a Professional Restoration Company

Getting an opinion about what it will take to restore your home can help you create a viable recovery budget. Calling in a water damage and restoration company may be helpful, as they can advise you about any possible problems with structural issues or mold growth after a pipe burst or water line break causes deep standing water in your home.

Making an insurance claim after flooding affects your Overland Park, KS, home can be stressful. However, when you know which steps to take, the process may go more smoothly.

Why Choose a Water Mitigation Company?

5/29/2018 (Permalink)

Once you have made arrangements for someone to come and begin the water damage and the flood damage mitigation, a high-speed pumping system will be set up to remove the standing water to the outside or to a tank truck. It won't take very long to remove water with this system, probably just a few years.

When all of the standing water has been removed, a drying process will begin by using large industrial fans to create air movement over the entire area that was flooded. This is also a part of water cleanup process and it might take three or four days for it to be completed. When the drying process has been completed by the air movement then the fans are removed and the next part of the water cleanup can continue.

SERVPRO of Leawood / Overland Park will be there to help you clean up the mess of water damage.

How to fix water damage in home?

5/4/2018 (Permalink)

If you have a water loss in your home, it is important to understand how to get it cleaned up and dry before secondary damages happen. 

SERVPRO is a great resource, even if you are not sure of what to do. They can come out and do a walkthrough and give you a detailed scope of what is needed to do. 

In most cases, the water needs to be extracted. If the water sits for too long, it can begin to cause mold to grow and other microbial growth. 

Once all of the water is removed, drying can begin. SERVPRO has plenty of drying equipment to handle any-size loss, big or small. 

After the drying is complete, SERVPRO's team can help put back all the damaged materials that could not be saved. 

If you have any questions, feel free to reach out at anytime. 

What does it cost to repair water damage in an Overland Park home?

5/4/2018 (Permalink)

If your home has a water loss, and you are unable to handle the cleanup and drying on your own, you will probably have to hire a professional restoration company like SERVPRO of Leawood/ Overland Park. 

We often get asked how much will it cost, and that is not something we can answer on the front end. SERVPRO uses industry software that has set pricing that is used by multiple companies and known to the insurance companies. 

However, SERVPRO will do it's best to minimize the damage through mitigation and responding as quickly as possible. In any water loss, the sooner the source is eliminated and the water is removed with drying, the lower the cost of the job will be. If the water begins to sit, it can get more expensive by the hour. (Due to water spreading and wicking up walls.)

How can you tell if a home has had water damage?

5/4/2018 (Permalink)

If you are in the market for a new home, it is important to be aware if there has been any previous damage due to water in the home. Sometimes the damages from water can be inside the wall or in other hidden areas of the house. It is extremely important to have a solid home inspector evaluate the home before closing. 

However if you are not confident in the home inspection, we recommend having a professional restoration company like SERVPRO, come on site and do a closer look. They have equipment that can detect temperature changes behind porous structures in the home. 

If you have any questions, you are welcome to call us anytime. We are happy to help answer and educate you with any concerns you might have. 

What to Do if your Pipe Bursts

12/19/2016 (Permalink)

If you are unfortunate enough to have a burst pipe, follow these steps:

- Turn off your water supply at the main valve. Your main water valve can be located in a variety of places. If you have a home with a basement or crawlspace, it is probably located on an interior wall near the front of the house. In this case, it is most likely hiding in plain sight. If your home was built on a slab, the valve might be located near the hot water heater or inside your garage. It may also be located in an underground cement box near your front curb. To learn where your main water valve is, consult you property inspection report or call your local utility company or plumbing professional. Learn more tips for locating your main water valve here.
If the burst pipe is a hot water line, make sure to also turn off the water valve at the top of your hot water heater.

- Once you have turned off the main water valve, call a plumber.
- If your water meter is frozen, contact your local Water Department. 

- If your broken pipe has caused water damage to your home or business, call SERVPRO of Clay County to dry it out before it ruins materials and they need to be torn out.