Recent Water Damage Posts

Air Conditioner Causes Water Damage to Ceiling

9/13/2022 (Permalink)

 

A homeowner in Minneapolis noticed round, yellowish, water spots had appeared on the ceiling of his master bedroom. Realizing that the cause of the water damage was likely the air conditioner located in the attic above the room, he climbed up to take a look. Sure enough, that was the culprit of the damage. He called out an HVAC repair company to fix the problem with the air conditioner, and then he called us at SERVPRO® of Bloomington and Richfield, to mitigate the water damage done to the floor of the attic and the ceiling of the bedroom. Our technicians removed all affected drywall, and set up several of our air movers to dry out the wet areas. After a few days of drying and daily moisture checks, the moisture levels were low and back to normal, so our crew pulled the equipment and packed up. The floor of the attic and ceiling of the bedroom were repaired, and it was like this water disaster never even happened!

4 Ways to Check for Hidden Water Leaks

8/30/2022 (Permalink)

Four Ways to Check for Hidden Water Leaks

Think you may have a water leak somewhere in your home? Here are some good ways to tell when the leak is not obvious.

  1. Pay Attention to Increased Water Bills

Monitor your water bill for sudden unexplained increases.

  1. Check Your Water Meter

Pick a few hours when you can go without using the water In your home. Record your water meter before and after. Was there an increase?

  1. Toilet Leaks

Put a drop of food coloring in your toilet’s tank. If within 15 minutes or less, the toilet bowl reveals that color, you may have a leak. Make sure to flush the toilet multiple times after performing this test so your bowl does not get stained.

  1. Look for Mold

Where there is mold, there is moisture. Something is feeding that moisture. It’s possible there is a leak somewhere.

Are you in need of water damage restoration? Come to the certified technicians at SERVPRO of Bloomington / Richfield. We will work with your insurance every step of the way. Give us a call to get started!

What Secondary Damage can occur after water damage in your home or commercial building?

7/28/2022 (Permalink)

 

What Secondary Damage can occur after water damage in your home or commercial building? 

After water leaks or flood damage, if not properly dried and treated, a home or business can develop mold from the moisture left on: wood, tile, carpeting, windows, concrete, and/or other materials/items that were affected.  SERVPRO of Bloomington and Richfield strives to prevent secondary damage every time we remediate water damage. Building material and flooring are dried and treated to prevent mold and other allergens/contaminates using specialized equipment and cleaning products.

If water damage is not properly treated, the perfect environment is created for mold spores to grow in your home and to contaminate the air that is breathed.

Should you ever suffer water damage due to: a water heater leak, sink overflow, fire, refrigerator leak, excessive rain, storm damage, leaky roof, flood damage, or any other reason water has invaded your home or business, please know that SERVPRO of Bloomington and Richfield is here to help.  Faster to Any Disaster

Never Pour Grease Down Your Sink

7/28/2022 (Permalink)

 

Can I pour grease down the sink?

You’ve probably heard this before, but you should definitely avoid pouring grease down your kitchen sink. It doesn’t matter if you flush it with hot or cold water. It can still congeal and cling to your pipes, and could still cause some serious damage and blockage.

Some people use detergent to break up grease before pouring it down the drain…and that may help sometimes. But there’s no guarantee that it’ll keep the grease from sticking to your pipes, so why take the risk?

The safest thing to do is just to pour your grease in an empty can, and either let it sit or put it in the refrigerator. Once it hardens you can toss it in the trash and get rid of it. Done and done.

Pipe leaks from clogged pipes can cause water damage to your home as well as mold damage if the water damage is not soon addressed.

Source: www.farmers.com

Why is My Refrigerator Leaking and How to Fix It

1/10/2022 (Permalink)

 

Why is My Refrigerator Leaking Water?

Reason #1 - A Blocked Drain

A blocked defrost drain is one of the most common causes of water leakage. This happens when food particles or other debris clogs up the drain hose, which can lead to ice buildup and, eventually, water leaking out of the freezer and refrigerator.

Fix: First, try flushing the drain from inside the freezer with warm water, using a turkey baster or a small funnel. You can also try using a pipe cleaner or a straightened coat hanger to forcibly remove the clog. If this doesn't fix the problem you may need to manually remove the debris that is clogging the check valve at the end of the drain hose.

Reason #2  - A Clogged or Frozen Water Line

From time to time, a clogged or frozen water supply line will cause water to puddle beneath the refrigerator. It will also affect ice production from the ice maker and slow or stop water flow from the dispenser.

Fix: First, unplug the refrigerator and locate the shut-off valve, typically underneath the sink, behind the refrigerator, or below the refrigerator in the basement. Make sure this valve is closed, and look for any leaks, kinks, or clogs in the plastic supply line.

If you have encountered water damage due to a leaky refrigerator, call SERVPRO of Bloomington / Richfield right away: (952) 854-2000

Source: CNET online

What You Can Do Outside to Avoid Water Damage Inside

1/10/2022 (Permalink)

 

Be careful with the species of trees you plant. Some plants and trees, like weeping willows, have pretty invasive roots. If you’re not careful, they’ll grow right into your sprinkler system, drainage field, pipes, and septic tanks. Plan before you plant to keep roots away from any water lines.

Another big culprit that causes water damage is clogged gutters. You know it’s on your to-do list anyway, so if you can, take a safe climb up to your roof and check out your gutters. If you’re seeing lots of leaves, birds’ nests, sticks, and debris up there, your gutters may not be doing the job they are supposed to. And on a rainy day, a clogged gutter can send water spilling into your home’s foundation, through the roof, or down to your basement. That could cause some serious water damage! So next time you’re doing some seasonal cleaning, make sure those gutters are clean. And if your gutters are too high, be safe and get a professional to check them.

Overflowing Toilet – What to Do

1/3/2022 (Permalink)

An overflowing toilet is a problem everyone will likely deal with at some point. When water overflows from the bowl, chances are the culprit is a clogged toilet drain—usually an easy fix with some basic tools.

First, turn off the toilet’s water supply, on the wall behind the toilet. If you can’t find the water supply to stop the toilet overflowing, take the top off the tank and lift the float ball or cup high enough to stop the water from running. If that does not work, the shut off valve for the water supply to the house is generally located near the water heater.

Should overflow continue once the main water supply is off, you’re dealing with sewage backup, a serious situation due to the hazardous nature of the sewage water. If you are on a municipal septic system, you may need to call the city. If you have a septic tank, you’ll need a plumbing company that can flush out your system.

If you have suffered water damage in your bathroom due to an overflowing toilet, please give us a call today at SERVPRO of Bloomington / Richfield. We are here to help and will work with your insurance every step of the way. 

Shopping for Water Heaters

9/18/2021 (Permalink)

Shopping for a new water heater, Minneapolis area?

The installation of your home’s water heater is an important decision. There are many factors to consider:

  • Tanked vs. tankless water heater
  • The right water heater for your household size
  • Best location for your heater (where to install it)
  • Gas or electric
  • How big of a water heater is needed

If you decided on a tanked water heater, you may ask yourself, how big of a water heater do I need? Determining factors will be the size of your family and the utilities available in your home. Use this simple guide to determine your water heater size needs:

  • Family size 1-2: 30-gallon heater
  • Family size 2-3: 40-gallon heater
  • Family size 3-4: 40-50-gallon heater
  • Family size 5 or more: 50-80-gallon heater

Source: Zine Trip Online

Higher Than Normal Water Bill

8/31/2021 (Permalink)

Why is my water bill so high this month?

With so many water pipes hidden behind walls and in the floors in your house, you might not know there’s a leak until the damage is done. That’s why it’s a good idea to keep a close eye on your monthly water bill. If you see it starting to creep up, or get one that’s uncommonly high, it’s a pretty good sign that you may have a leak somewhere.

It's very common for us at SERVPRO of Bloomington / Richfield to get a call from a homeowner who has found mold behind his/her dishwasher or mold behind his/her sink because of a slow leak from a pipe in their walls that has gone undetected for quite some time. It's always a good idea to take care of any water leak as soon as possible in order to prevent mold from forming in addition to water damage restoration.

If you have found a leak in your kitchen or bathroom and need water damage restoration, please call the certified professionals at SERVPRO of Bloomington / Richfield today: 952-854-2000

How Quickly Does Mold Grow After Water Damage

7/29/2021 (Permalink)

Maybe you had a water leak from a plumbing problem or from a leaky refrigerator. Maybe we had a major storm or tornado sweep through the Minneapolis area. Either way, now your home has water damage. Depending on how severe the water damage, you are probably asking yourself, “Should I clean up the water damage myself or hire a professional?”.  The following are a couple things to consider. First, hopefully, the water damage will be covered by your insurance company. SERVPRO of Bloomington / Richfield works with all insurance companies in the area and knows what each company is looking for (this will make things easier on you). Second, if the area is not properly and completely dried out, even in the areas you cannot see, the structure will more than likely suffer secondary damage. What is secondary damage? Mold growing in your home is known as secondary damage after a water damage event. Mold needs moister to grown and it can grow within 24-48 hours.  Time is a factor after a water damage. If mold is already growing in your home after a water damage, SERVPRO of Bloomington / Richfield can remediate that as well. We are here to help. Give us a call today!

Who to Call When Your Basement Floods

7/29/2021 (Permalink)

SERVPRO of Bloomington / Richfield Specialize in Basement Floods Clean-Up and Restoration

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 structure 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
  • Sump pump failure
  • Water supply-line break or hot-water tank failure
  • And many more

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 Bloomington / Richfield 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 National Insurance Companies
  • We Bill Insurance Directly – One Less Thing For You To Worry About
  • Our Technicians are Highly Trained in Water Damage Restoration
  • We Adhere to s500 IICRC Restoration Standards
  • We Use Advanced Inspection and Extraction Equipment

Causes of Refrigerator Leaks

1/4/2021 (Permalink)

Maybe your water alarm alerted you, maybe you see a puddle or some dripping, or maybe you see some signs of water damage (corrosion, water stains, etc.). Once you’ve discovered a leak, consider the possible causes.

Blocked defroster. A blocked defroster can stop defrost-cycle water from draining properly. Try clearing out the small drain by pouring hot water into it. Remove any debris with a pipe cleaner.

Drain pan. Sometimes the drain pan itself can leak. Check for cracks.

Filter. Refrigerators with filters can leak if the filter is the wrong size or not installed properly.

Water line. This is potentially the most problematic. Refrigerators with ice makers or water dispensers have water lines running between the main water supply and the back of the fridge. Feel to see if the water line is wet or dripping. Cracked hoses and loose connections are often the culprit.

Refrigerator leaks can damage the flooring and cabinets in your kitchen.  If you experience a refrigerator leak, please contact us right away to treat and help to prevent any further damage.

Source: ER Plumbing Online

Refrigerator Leaking Water? Here Are Two Common Reasons Why

9/1/2020 (Permalink)

If your refrigerator is leaking water and causing water damage to your flooring it’s usually because if one of two reasons.

Reason #1 - Your Refrigerator's Defrost Drain

A blocked defrost drain is one of the most common causes of water leakage. This happens when food particles or other debris clogs up the drain hose, which can lead to ice buildup and, eventually, water leaking out of the freezer and refrigerator.

Fix: First, try flushing the drain from inside the freezer with warm water, using a turkey baster or a small funnel. You can also try using a pipe cleaner or a straightened coat hanger to forcibly remove the clog. If this doesn't fix the problem you may need to manually remove the debris that is clogging the check valve at the end of the drain hose.

Reason #2 - Your Refrigerator's Water Supply Line

From time to time, a clogged or frozen water supply line will cause water to puddle beneath the refrigerator. It will also affect ice production from the ice maker and slow or stop water flow from the dispenser.

Fix: First, unplug the refrigerator and locate the shut-off valve, typically underneath the sink, behind the refrigerator, or below the refrigerator in the basement. Make sure this valve is closed, and look for any leaks, kinks, or clogs in the plastic supply line.

Source: CNET online

Water Damage and Wood Floors

8/3/2020 (Permalink)

It doesn’t require a disaster of the scope of a spring flood or hurricane to damage a wood floor. Plumbing leaks, a leaky refrigerator line, a busted dishwasher, or the upstairs overflowing tub might pose problems for porous wood floors and substructures. Whatever the source, water causes wood floors to warp, and can trigger mold and mildew growth that can ruin wood as well. Major flooding creates problems in foundations and walls that must be addressed, but the first step in mitigating the damage done by water to a building -- including its wood floors -- is to gently, but quickly ventilate and dry materials.

SERVPRO® of Bloomington / Richfield uses commercial-grade machines that extract the water from the wood flooring with a powerful force.  If we are called immediately following a water damage event, there is a good possibility we can save your wood floors from buckling using the high-powered water extractors.  Don't hesitate to call right away.

Source: Homeguides Online

Keeping Gutters Clean to Prevent Water Damage

9/20/2019 (Permalink)

Ideally, gutters clear the water from your roof and move it safely away from your home. Clear gutters help to prevent leaky roofs, water damage to the attic, and water coming in through your home’s foundation.

Twice a year, it is very important to clear your home’s gutters. Leaves, seeds, twigs, mud, nests, and other debris can clog the gutters and prevent strong water flow.  When water has nowhere to go, it pools and can seep into areas it should not, which can cause water damage to your home. If you do not feel you can safely perform the job yourself, please hire out the job to a professional.

If your home has suffered water damage, please call SERVPRO of Bloomington / Richfield today to remove the water and dry out the area in order to prevent further damage.

Keep an Eye on your Water Bill in Order to Detect Leaks

1/19/2019 (Permalink)

Keep an eye on your water bill in order to detect leaks

With so many water pipes hidden behind walls and in the floors in your house, you might not know there’s a leak until the damage is done. That’s why it’s a good idea to keep a close eye on your monthly water bill. If you see it starting to creep up, or get one that’s uncommonly high, it’s a pretty good sign that you may have a leak somewhere.

It's not uncommon for us to get a call from a homeowner who has mold behind their dishwasher or mold behind their sink because there has been a slow leak in a pipe in their walls. It's always a good idea to take care of any water leak as soon as possible in order to prevent mold from forming in addition to the water damage.

How to Prevent Water Damage While You Are on Vacation

1/20/2018 (Permalink)

Going on a vacation should be a fun, joyous time. The last thing you want to come back to is a broken pipe in desperate need of water pipe repair. A flooded residence in Bloomington, MN is extremely dangerous when no one is home because it means it could take days until someone removes the water and dries out the room. That is a lot of time for water to stand, and bacteria can grow out of control. Here are some steps to lower the likelihood of experiencing water damage while you are away.

1. Shut Off the Water Main

The most surefire way to prevent your home from flooding is to shut off the main water supply. After you turn it off, you need to drain the pipe. Run all the faucets until water stops flowing. You also want to flush every toilet until the bowls are empty. This will also decrease your chances of needing water pipe repair to fix frozen pipes.

2. Clean Downspouts and Gutters

If there is a chance it will rain while you are away, then you want to clean the gutters and downspouts. Gutters filled with debris can prevent water from adequately flowing through. Gutters that take on too much pressure can break and flood the foundation of your home.

3. Run the HVAC System

Air circulation can prevent condensation from building up, and it will also help prevent pipes from freezing. Keep hot air flowing through periodically to prevent mold growth in Bloomington, MN.

4. Ask a Neighbor to Check in on Your House

Another good idea is to ask a neighbor or family friend to stop by your house throughout your vacation. In the event your home does flood, someone will be able to contact a local water pipe repair service to address the problem before it gets worse. Show your housesitter where the water main and thermostat are located. Visit http://www.SERVPRObloomingtonrichfield.com for more information on water damage.

Tips for Cleaning Up Water Damage From Broken Pipes

1/18/2018 (Permalink)

Water damage is a fact of life for homeowners. No matter how hard you work to maintain your property, eventually broken pipes, backed-up drains, or some other form of water damage will require cleanup.

When the time comes and you have to deal with a minor emergency that has left your home in Bloomington Ferry, MN, a little waterlogged, you need to know how to respond decisively to prevent continuing damage. Follow these tips to make sure you get the water cleanup process handled quickly.

• Turn off the water to prevent further flooding
• Remove dry and undamaged possessions from the affected area
• Contact a restoration cleaning service with water-damage certifications
• File a claim with your insurance company for covered damages
• Keep kids and pets away from the area

If it is possible to safely turn off electricity to the flooded rooms, it can be a good idea, especially if you have appliances plugged in and under water. Make sure you don’t step into standing water where powered appliances are submerged to minimize the risk of shock.

Working With Water-Damage Specialists

Sometimes, homeowners are tempted to attempt cleanup themselves. While there are a number of home improvement and repair projects that can be realized efficiently and inexpensively with a do-it-yourself approach, it’s important to understand that water cleanup from broken pipes and other plumbing emergencies really needs a professional approach.

When water damages a home, specialized tools are needed to properly effect cleanup. These tools allow for the drying and cleaning of home furnishings and building features alike, and they work more thoroughly and quickly than options available to homeowners. Quick action is essential to minimize the damage from water during emergencies. Specialists also carry certifications for mold abatement and other water-related cleanup protocols.

Wrapping Up

Water damage from broken pipes and other home emergencies can cause serious problems for homes and homeowners in City, State. Make sure you work with specialists in water cleanup to preserve and clean your property when you have residential water emergencies.

Visit our website for more information about water damages.

Hidden Water Can Damage Homes Well After the Fire’s Out

12/15/2017 (Permalink)

Hidden Water Can Damage Homes Well After the Fire’s Out

When a home or building in Bloomington, MN is involved in a fire, the damage can be extensive. Fire damage is about more than just the fire itself; it also includes damage from heat, smoke and water. Water damage is typical, due to the amount firefighters must use to douse flames and ensure hot spots are cooled. Water can also cause structural damage, some of which is due to the high-pressure fire hose.

Hidden Moisture Causes Further Damage

Water used to put out the fire finds its way into crevices in the foundation, walls and ceiling, where it is trapped in structural pockets. If not removed promptly, it can cause ongoing damage to building materials, such as splitting and warping, and mold can begin to grow in 48 to 72 hours. Delays in removing this moisture can make repairs more costly.

Take Immediate Action

If your home or building is involved in a fire, act quickly to limit fire damage. The first step is to ventilate all affected areas. If weather conditions are mild, you can open windows and use fans to keep air circulating throughout damaged areas. To reach hidden water pockets, remove building materials to get to layers behind or underneath. Remove and discard any drywall with water damage, as well as wet insulation. Wood trim and hardwood are reclaimable after drying both sides.

Make Sure Everything’s Dry

Non-porous and semi-porous materials, including studs and joists, can be cleaned, but do not begin repairs until items are dry, or you risk dry rot and structural damage. Restoration companies use a special meter to find hidden moisture and can help you decide when conditions are dry enough to begin repairs.

Restoring Your Home

Recovering from a fire is not easy, especially when you add in the emotional toll. A professional fire restoration company can help you tackle the aftermath of fire damage and the inevitable water damage, and make your Bloomington, MN home livable again. Visit http://www.SERVPRObloomingtonrichfield.com for more information on water damage.

Water Restoration: The Process of Restoring the Damage

9/26/2017 (Permalink)


Water Restoration: The Process of Restoring the Damage

Whether you have water in home or water in business, the goal of dealing with water damage will almost be the same. That goal is to return the home or business to the same condition it had been in before the flood of water from the supply line break or leaky roof or dishwasher from flooding the home. Many times water cleanup companies will provide you with 24/7 emergency service because flood damage grows worse the longer you wait for restoration services.

Damage Assessment

One of the first services a water cleanup company will do is make a flood damage assessment of the water in home or water in business. First, they will check if the water damage stems from sanitary or unsanitary water. They will also look at the kind of contaminants in the source of water. The worst kind of flood damage stems from sewage backup and unsanitary water because the water damage can be hazardous to your health. A restoration company will often employ the use of an infrared probe to determine what kind of damage has been caused.

During the damage assessment process, the restoration company will also look at the best methods to restore the damage for the water in home or water in business.

Mitigation of the Water Damage

The next step in the process involves the mitigation of the water damage. During this stage, water cleanup will snap into progress and drying of the water will take place. The drying will happen with dehumidifiers, fans, air movers and air scrubbers, and the restoration company will most likely have special hardwood drying machines to handle hardwood flooring if you have any. Special restoration methods will also occur in the water cleanup stage where they will handle toxins and molds present in the building.

Restoration After Flood Damage

After flood in home or flood in business, the restoration company will set to restoring the wood, carpet, stone, tile and laminate flooring. The restoration of walls will also focus on drying them out. The mitigation company will also look at whether the mold is present inside the home, and they will use special techniques to replace the mold within the home. The pipe break could also do damage to the cabinets, and they may be in need of a complete restoration to the flooded home, depending on the extent of the damage and if it was a supply line break.

Understands the Health and Safety Standards

Your mitigation company understands water in business and water in home safety code standards around mold and asbestos. Your flooded home specialists will ensure that where you're at remains a safe place to be. For example, after a supply line break, they will look at what the cause of the break was so that they can fix it better. In some cases, it had to do with defective or low-grade materials that caused the supply line break and the flooded home. In some cases, you could file a lawsuit against the company for a pipe break.

Making Sure Your Home is Safe to Live In

A flooded home comes with all sorts of problems like damaged walls and floors and mold everywhere. A poor response to the problem can exacerbate the issues and cause more of a problem. As soon as you notice a pipe break or water flooding the home, you should immediately address it with a professional company who has been through the process before.

No matter what kind of issue you might be facing with a flooded home, a professional restoration company will be your best bet because they understand what it takes to handle a pipe break or leak in the roof, and they can keep the damage from compounding into a more expensive problem. A water cleanup company gives you the best chances at a full restoration of the home.
Visit http://www.SERVPRObloomingtonrichfield.com for more information on water damage.

Water Damage, Removal and Restoration Advice

9/5/2017 (Permalink)


Water Damage, Removal and Restoration Advice

Water damage is one of the worst-case scenarios for a home or business owner. There are many potential causes of water damage. It can occur from ground water after heavy rains or a cresting river. It can be caused by plumbing issues such as a pipe break, leaky pipes, over-flowing toilets and tubs or even a supply line break. A flooded home can be one of the worst possible things an owner has to deal with. Whatever the cause, it is best to contact a professional restoration company for restoration and water cleanup.

When dealing with water damage or flood damage, time is of the essence. It is vital to contact a restoration company immediately for damage mitigation. The longer the problem persists, the more damage will be done. A good restoration company will help you with each step of the process for water in home or water in business locations.

The restoration company you choose should start with a water damage assessment. Then the water extraction and water cleanup can begin. The water in your flooded home will be sucked up and pumped out of the location. Next, they will begin drying your affected areas and items. The drying process will be done to walls, carpets, furniture and more. The next step in your restoration will be the cleaning of your damaged items. This may include all of the previously mentioned items, as well as books, clothes and other personal items.

Following the water cleanup, drying and other restoration processes, the company will next work on mold and mildew mitigation. They will cleanup any affected areas to remove mold and mildew and then treat areas to prevent their return. Once these restoration processes are complete, the company should next look to fixing the source of water in home or water in business locations. Locating the source of the leak or water-proofing the home will prevent future flood damage.

A flooded home can lead to a lot of structural damage. Most restoration companies will be able to repair these as well, or refer you to a good construction company that can. Whether you experience a pipe break, supply line break or flood damage, you should be able to file a home-owners insurance claim. The water cleanup and drying processes may even be fully covered, depending how your type of insurance coverage. Water in business locations may be different from water in home locations when it comes to insurance claims. A good restoration company can generally help with filing claims.

For water in home locations or water in business locales, contacting a professional company right away will actually save you money and issues in the long run. Fixing a supply line break, pipe break and flood damage should always be done as soon as possible. This is why its important to research restoration companies and have someone in mind before a problem strikes. This can help with the mitigation of more damage and future issues.

When choosing a good restoration company, pay attention to companies that have been in the business for a long time. A company that has survived for a long time can only have done so if they do good work. This also means they will have more experience dealing with any situation, such as pipe breaks, supply line breaks or whatever else that causes your water damage. An experienced business will be better at the mitigation of future problems in your flooded home. Be sure to choose a company that is insured and that can respond to your needs immediately. It's also a good idea to do business with company's that can give you an estimate up front.
Visit http://www.SERVPRObloomingtonrichfield.com for more information on water damage.

Tips for Choosing An Effective Water Damage Restoration Company

7/25/2017 (Permalink)


Tips for Choosing An Effective Water Damage Restoration Company

Whenever floods occur or certain pipes in your building burst accidentally due to human error or natural causes, you're likely to face overwhelming water damage or flood damage disaster that may accrue substantial losses if not handled properly. Most homeowners and managers of commercial buildings make the mistake of trying a DIY water damage or water cleanup mitigation process. The downside of opting for cheaper options is the end result, especially if the cleanup process is not handled comprehensively.

Furthermore, hiring a handyman without the necessary skill-set or equipment to handle hazardous wastewater or flood damage can have residual negative effects to the handler, the building, and its occupants after the poor cleanup exercise. Therefore, it's only prudent to hire professionals with the right tools, experience, and expertise in dealing with water in home or water in business restoration processes. Whatever the cause of the water in home or water in business and the degree of its severity, the best recourse is hiring the best water damage mitigation professionals.

Industry Certified

Make certain that the water in home or water in business restoration technicians are certified by the Institute of Inspection Cleaning and Restoration (IICR) and the Restoration Industry Association (RIA). Anyone claiming to be a professional without certification from these bodies could be a fake restoration professional and shouldn't be entertained near your property.

Use referrals

Consult with close friends and family members who have dealt with a recent water in home or water in business damage in the recent past. The insurance company that carries your homeowner's insurance policy can also offer you viable options of reputable companies that have handled flooded home damages in your locality. However, an insurance company may refer you to a water damage flooded home mitigation company that offers a cheap solution to clients who have flooded home problems instead of the best quality. Hence, to solve your flood damage comprehensively, you ought to shop around carefully for the best service provider.

Rapid response time

Flood damage in a home can escalate so quickly and cause extensive losses, especially when mold starts building up after a few hours. If you're a experiencing a supply line break or pipe break that keeps pouring water on your yard or a flooded home, you need to get immediate help before the problem gets out of hand. If the water damage company doesn't offer a prompt response, skip it regardless of whether it's in your locality. The key to solving the issue is hiring a professional water in home or water in business restoration company that provides rapid response whenever contacted by potential clients.

Quote and type of services provided

Avoid companies that promise to give you a quote or price estimate over the phone before assessing the situation. A flood damage, supply line break, or pipe break differs from one home to another, and thus the professional has to offer you an estimate after evaluating the entire damage. The flood damage and water cleanup restoration company should also explain the type of services that he will provide to restore your supply line break or pipe break during the water cleanup mitigation process. Even if the restoration company charges for its services on an hourly basis, it ought to give you a valid estimate of how long the water cleanup and drying can take.

Experience

Choose a water restoration and drying company that has years of experience in handling flooded home problems such as fixing pipe break and supply line break issues. An experienced company will help you in expediting the claims process for your insurance company after the water cleanup. The restoration company should also have the latest drying, pump outs and extraction equipment for aiding the water cleanup process adequately. Remember, if the drying is not done properly, you'll start experiencing other problems like mildew and mold growth.
Visit http://www.SERVPRObloomingtonrichfield.com for more information on water damage.

Tips for Dealing with Flood Damage in Your Home

6/12/2017 (Permalink)


Tips for Dealing with Flood Damage in Your Home

Dealing with water damage in the home can be devastating and costly. Even if you don't live in a flood zone, there is still a chance that you can have some flood damage that ravishes your home. There are a variety of things you can do to ensure that your house stays dry and clean no matter what the issue happens to be. Whether this be a leaking pipe or a full-blown flood in your neighborhood, there are ways to prevent excessive damage and clean it up once it strikes.

Preventing a Flood

Before you deal with any water in home or water in business, you need to take steps to prevent it altogether. This might include taking out an insurance policy that covers flood damage and water damage. This coverage will often pay for the mitigation of flood damage, preventing you from having to pay it all upfront.

If you have older piping throughout the home, it's crucial that you have it inspected and repaired regularly. A burst pipe might not seem like such a big deal, but it can cause an enormous flood throughout the house in just a few hours. This could all be prevented if you just checked for leaks and floods, making it a habit to inspect the home regularly.

If you happen to live in a neighborhood that gets a lot of flooding, consider putting a barrier around the property to prevent excess flood water from entering and going into the basement of your home. Water in home and water in business can cause tens of thousands of dollars worth of damages, so preventing the flood from even entering the building is key. If need be, consider moving to another area that doesn't deal with as much flooding so that water damage mitigation is a thing of the past for you and your family.

Insurance and Coverage

If you have flood damage and water damage coverage on your property, chances are that it will pay for the mitigation and water cleanup. Restoration is vital when getting your home or office back to its former glory. If you contact a local water cleanup or mitigation company, don't be surprised to hear an extravagant amount that is next to impossible to afford if you don't have some type of insurance coverage. While it might seem annoying at first to pay for this type of insurance, you'll be glad that you did when water damage becomes a true issue.

Calling a Remediation Company

A mitigation company is there to help with water cleanup and the drying of your home or business. Water in home or water in business can be problematic in a variety of ways. For one, if the proper drying techniques aren't implemented, the water can begin to grow fungus and mold, which is incredibly unhealthy for you and your family to be living around and breathing. Restoration involves doing a thorough inspection of the house for any mold spores, and then the company will begin drying the area to prevent it from growing altogether.

Water cleanup and property drying only takes a few days, so you'll have your home back to normal shortly after dealing with a flood. Water in home and water in business properties shouldn't be cleaned up on your own because there are specialty tools and measures that need to be taken to thoroughly repair the area. Restoration can be pretty expensive, so you should either work with your insurance company on the price for the project or come to a deal with the remediation company themselves. If you are dealing with damage from a flood, it's time to contact a local restoration company to dry out the home or office and bring it back to its former self. There is no reason to try to do this job on your own when there are expert companies willing and waiting to help.
Visit http://www.SERVPRObloomingtonrichfield.com for more information on water damage.

Always Call an Expert for Repairs

2/1/2017 (Permalink)

SERVPRO Crews Are Ready at a Moments Notice!

A water damage restoration service is the kind of professional that no one wants to call, but when they are needed, it is important not to delay. Homeowners know that moisture is often the enemy, capable of penetrating into just about any space, and taking advantage of every little crack and structural problem. No matter how moisture gets into the building, the response should be the same. Bring in SERVPRO of Bloomington/Richfield as soon as possible to clean the home, dry it, and ensure there are no lingering health threats once the moisture is gone.

If water has entered the home through a contaminated source, don’t try to handle it on your own. Floods and sewage backflows contain a cocktail of deadly bacteria, viruses and fungi, and even momentary skin contact can leave a person seriously ill. A certified water damage restoration service like SERVPRO of Bloomington/Richfield not only has the tools to eliminate the moisture, we have the protective equipment to remain free from harm.

Restoration technicians have a lot of technology at their disposal. These include powerful vacuums and pumping systems, high volume air movers, dehumidifiers, heat injectors, moisture meters, and a number of detergents formulated for destroying fungi and other microbial threats. While the technicians work on the building, disposing of compromised materials, and drying the rest, they will also destroy all mold and microbial colonies. This is the only way to ensure a home is safe to live, and a business safe to work in; any other cleaning method is a dangerous gamble.

SERVPRO of Bloomington/Richfield utilizes advanced equipment and technology to quicken the restoration time and to minimize cost. We proudly serve our community and surrounding areas with 24/7 emergency availability. Give us a call today! (952) 854-2000

Call a Specialist!

2/1/2017 (Permalink)

Water extraction from a flooded home.

When and why you need to call a specialist!


"The thing about being a water damage and repair specialist is that no one seems to care about what you do until they desperately need your help."  No matter what time of the day or night you can count on us to be there to help.  Don't hesitate to call!


We are water removal and cleanup specialists and are ready to service your home or business when flooding or water leaks cause water damage. We quickly dry your property using state-of-the-art water removal equipment and advanced drying techniques, documenting the drying process to make sure your property is dry and the job is done right. Check out when and why you should call a specialist by clicking here! We are always here to help.  Give us a call today! 


SERVPRO of Bloomington/Richfield utilizes advanced equipment, technology, and expertise to provide a deeper clean than your basic house cleaning service could provide.  We are proud to serve our Bloomington, Richfield, and surrounding communities! Give us a call today! (952) 854-2000