Landscaping Tips for Water Intrusion Prevention

4/11/2024 (Permalink)

Stay protected from the rain!

Water intrusion into your home's foundation can wreak havoc, but proactive landscaping measures coupled with professional assistance from SERVPRO of The Saint Croix Valley can effectively mitigate these risks.

1. Grade Slope Management: Ensure that the ground around your home slopes away from the foundation, directing water away instead of pooling around it. Aim for a slope of at least 6 inches over the first 10 feet.
2. Strategic Planting: Plant trees and shrubs at an appropriate distance from your home to prevent their roots from disrupting the foundation. Additionally, select plants that require minimal watering to reduce soil moisture levels.
3. Proper Drainage System: Install a comprehensive drainage system comprising gutters, downspouts, and trench drains to channel rainwater away from the foundation. Regularly clean gutters and extend downspouts to discharge water at least 5 feet away from the house.
4. Hardscaping Features: Incorporate permeable paving materials like gravel or porous concrete in your landscaping to allow water to seep into the ground rather than accumulating near the foundation.
5. Mulching: Apply mulch around plants to help retain moisture in the soil and prevent erosion but be mindful not to build up mulch too high against the foundation, as it can trap moisture and promote decay.
6. Regular Maintenance: Inspect your landscaping regularly for signs of water pooling, soil erosion, or plant overgrowth near the foundation. Promptly address any issues to prevent water intrusion.

By implementing these landscaping strategies and utilizing SERVPRO’s expertise, you can protect your foundation against water intrusion and ensure swift, efficient restoration should the need arise. Together, these proactive measures and professional support offer peace of mind when the thunder rolls.

Guarding Your Home: A Water Wisdom Tale

3/6/2024 (Permalink)

Ocean water: The only water you want to dip your toes into.

Embarking on a vacation brings excitement and relaxation, but amidst the anticipation, a crucial detail often slips through the cracks—turning off the water supply. This simple act can be the difference between returning to a serene home or a watery disaster. Water damage, even from a small leak, can wreak havoc in your absence, causing structural issues, mold growth, and substantial financial setbacks.

Turning off your water before vacation serves as a preventive measure, safeguarding your property and belongings. It minimizes the risk of leaks, burst pipes, and other plumbing mishaps that could go unnoticed for days or even weeks.

However, accidents may still happen, and that's where SERVPRO® comes to the rescue. Their expertise in water damage restoration ensures a swift and efficient response to mitigate the aftermath. With advanced technology and a team of skilled professionals, SERVPRO can salvage and restore your home, preventing long-term consequences.

In the symphony of vacation preparations, let the chorus of water-consciousness be your guide. A few minutes to turn off the water and the assurance of SERVPRO's expertise can transform your vacation from worry to wonder. Protect your home and return to the peace you left behind.

Will Filling an Insurance Claim Raise My Rates?

11/21/2022 (Permalink)

The decision to file an insurance claim is a personal one.

Filing a Claim and Your Insurance Rates

If you've ever had a home insurance claim, then you know that it's stressful. But there are also a lot of questions: Will my rates go up? What if they raise them by more than 10%? Will they even cover the damages? Luckily, it's possible to find answers to these questions and more.

Should I File a Claim?

If your Hudson, WI home has been damaged and you're unsure whether or not to file a claim, there are some things you need to know. The most important thing is to know what your insurance policy covers. You can find this information in the fine print of your contract or by calling your insurance company directly and asking specific questions.

Once you've made a decision about filing an insurance claim, it's also important to understand how filing one might affect your rates. Some insurers offer lower premiums if they don't have to pay out too many claims, while other companies raise their prices when they do have to pay out more money on claims

Will My Rates Go Up?

You will want to know if filing a claim is going to raise your insurance rates. This is one of the most common questions people ask when they have any sort of damage incident. 

If you have an at-fault accident, then there's no guarantee that your rates won't go up as a result. But if you were not at fault for the accident, your insurance company should not raise your rates because of it.

It all comes down to how your insurance company evaluates the damage and pays out on claims. Some companies use their payout amounts as guidelines for what kind of coverage they should offer in future years - so if they pay out more money than usual in one year, it might mean lower premiums in subsequent years (and vice versa).

How Much Will It Increase?

The cost of the claim and how many claims you've filed in the past are factors that determine how much your premiums will go up.

The amount of coverage you have on your policy also helps determine how much your rates will increase. The more insurance you have, the more risk you're taking on by filing a claim—and insurers take this into account when they set their prices. If you're at fault for an accident, then filing a claim could result in higher premiums because it was your fault that caused damage to another person's property or injured them. If there were no injuries involved with filing an accident report with your insurance company, then there should not be an impact on your premium costs whatsoever with most providers (but check with yours).

If someone else caused damage to something that belongs to you then it would likely be considered their fault, which means they'd pay any related costs associated with repairs or replacement parts instead of reducing the value of what they damaged while driving under influence (DUI). Filing claims can also cause premiums to rise if multiple ones occur within short periods; however, some companies offer discounts when customers file multiple claims within 12 months but only if they don't exceed 50% after deductibles are taken into consideration first!

You should compare insurance companies and their rates before you decide to file a claim.

It's very important to take the time to do your research and compare insurance companies before you decide to file a claim. Many people don't realize that their rates will go up because they filed a claim, which can be a major financial burden. You should know how much your insurance policy will go up after the claim, so that if the increase is too high, you may have to look into other options.

Water Damage Claims

How to file a claim for water damage.

1. Contact your insurance company. Typically, you'll call the number on your policy or on the back of your ID card. Tell them about the damage and ask for written instructions on how to proceed with filing the claim. (Those can also be found online.)

2. Have SERVPRO of The Saint Croix Valley come out to assess the damage. We’ll let you know if they think it's safe enough to stay in your home while repairs are made, or if we think you need to relocate temporarily. 

If you're not sure whether filing a claim will affect your rates, ask your insurer. If you do decide to file a claim, it's important to look into how much that might cost.

If your insurance company doesn't cover all the damage done by the burglary, or if they don't pay at all, then you'll have to pay for repairs yourself and keep paying for your policy.

The decision to file an insurance claim is a personal one. You should weigh the costs and benefits before deciding whether or not filing a claim will affect your rates. The best way to do this is by comparing insurance companies' rates and coverage options. If you're considering filing an insurance claim, make sure you know what's involved in the process so that you won't be surprised by anything unexpected!

How to Take Care of a Flooded Furnace

11/2/2022 (Permalink)

A furnace flood in Star Prairie, WI.

Ways To Take Care Of a Furnace Flood

A broken pipe in your business facility could lead to flooding and damaged appliances. If water reaches the basement, the furnace might be flooded and require repairs. Here are some ways to take care of a furnace flood in your Star Prairie, WI, business.

1. Shut Off Water and Power
The first action you should take is to turn off the water to prevent more flooding. Then, cut off the power to your building before entering a flooded area. If you don't know how to do so or feel it's unsafe, call a licensed electrician for assistance.
You will also want to contact a water mitigation agency to help remove water and dry out the facility. Mitigation technicians can identify hazards and assess the building and its contents for water damage. Once the water is removed, salvageable structures and appliances can be cleaned and repaired.

2. Get the Flooded Furnace Inspected
A furnace is more vulnerable to water because it rests, often completely unprotected, on the building foundations. After a flood, it's essential to have your furnace checked for damage by a licensed professional. Unresolved damage from a flood may pose the following hazards:

• Carbon monoxide emissions
  
• Fire
  
• Mold contamination
  
  

Don't try to use your furnace before having it inspected. It may seem all right on the surface, but there could be interior damage undetectable to an untrained eye.

3. Begin Furnace Flood Repairs
Minor damage to the furnace will require repairs such as air duct cleaning or component replacements. Some water mitigation companies offer a furnace maintenance package that includes vent cleaning and air filter replacement. If the damage is too severe, the entire furnace may have to be replaced.
A furnace flood in your business facility is not just an inconvenience but a potential hazard. Get your furnace inspected and maintained right away following water exposure.

Steps To Replace Your Leaking Toilet

7/15/2022 (Permalink)

A leaking toilet in New Richmond, WI.

How to Replace a Leaking Toilet

Replacing a toilet is not always necessary, but sometimes toilet repair is not enough to fix your leaking toilet. Inspect for water damage on the walls and floors before replacing your toilet. If you discover there is damage, contact a water damage restoration company in New Richmond, WI, so professionals can handle the remediation. Once you’ve determined there is no water damage, you can replace your toilet following these steps.

1. Remove the Old Toilet
Turn off the water to the toilet using the shutoff valve. Flush the toilet to drain the water from the leaking toilet. Continue to hold down the handle until the water no longer drains. Sop up the remaining water in the tank with a towel or a sponge. Use a cup to remove any water left in the bowl. Disconnect the water-supply tube. Take off the caps of the closet bolts and remove the nuts. Lift the toilet off the floor and place it aside on plastic or cardboard.

2. Prepare for Installation
Scrape off the old wax gasket. When putting a new wax gasket on the closet flange, make sure it is centered. Apply plumber’s tape or a light coating of pipe-joint compound to the fittings on the water-supply tube.

3. Install the New Toilet
Lift the new toilet by the bowl near the seat hinges. Carry it over the flange and set it on the wax gasket aligning it with the closet bolts. Press down firmly on the rim of the bowl. Place the washer and nuts over the closet bolts and tighten until snug. Repeat pressing on the bowl and tightening the nuts until the nuts are no longer loose. Cut the bolts using a hacksaw and replace the caps.

4. Attach the Water Supply
Connect the water-supply tube to the toilet and the shutoff valve. Turn on the water and flush the toilet a few times. Prevent another leaking toilet by pressing on the bowl and tightening the nuts again. Use the toilet for several weeks, then retighten the bolts.
Allowing professionals to tackle any water damage is advised, but following these steps will ensure a properly installed toilet.

3 Ways To Fix a Toilet That Keeps Flushing

3/30/2022 (Permalink)

Toilets that are not connected to flushometers may keep running for different reasons.

Three Ways To Fix Toilet Overflow

Commercial toilets run the risk of problems that may cause continued flushing. The underlying cause of this problem may be determined by the setup of the bathroom facilities at a building in Baldwin, WI. Here are three ways to fix toilet overflow problems and reduce the added cost and risk of a toilet flood associated with this plumbing issue.

1. Fix the Flushometer

A commercial structure may rely on a flushometer to eliminate waste from toilets or urinals. These systems are either manual or automatic. If facilities equipped with this technology start running continuously, it may be necessary to clean or replace the gasket of a manual flushometer or the diaphragm kit of an automatic model.

2. Check the Internal Components

Toilets that are not connected to flushometers may keep running for different reasons. A flapper may not seal properly and could require replacement or fill tube adjustments. A fill valve leak might also be the cause of the problem. These repairs are relatively easy for amateurs to complete, but a building owner or manager can also schedule expert repair and water damage restoration.

3. Call a Plumber

If the owner or manager of a commercial building cannot stop a toilet, it is time to contact a plumber. Repairs should ideally take place prior to a toilet overflow. If a facility has already become flooded, shut off the water supply and try to extract as much standing water as possible with a mop or wet-dry vacuum.
Whether the bathrooms in a commercial building are equipped with flushometers or have standard designs, these measures can stop water from continuously running through a toilet and reduce the risk of a toilet overflow. These fixes may be done by the owner or manager of a building in Baldwin, WI, or it may be worthwhile to rely on a plumber to prevent water damage.

How to Keep Pipes Safe During a Freeze

2/21/2022 (Permalink)

Adding insulation to your attic can keep the temperatures safer for pipes.

How to Prevent Pipes from Freezing During a Freeze

Winter can be a beautiful and festive time of year. However, if you don’t adequately prepare your home, the freezing temperatures of winter can cause frozen pipes that burst and flood your house. If that happens, you could end up needing professional restoration services and water line repair. Here are some of the most vulnerable pipes:

• Outdoor pipes for pools and sprinklers
  
• Units in basements
  
• Pipes in attics and garages
  
• Units under kitchen and bathroom cabinets
  
  

Avoid frozen pipes in these areas with a few steps.

Drain Outdoor Lines

If you have a swimming pool or a sprinkler system, follow the manufacturer’s directions for draining the supply lines before a freeze comes to Roberts, WI. You may be tempted to use antifreeze in these outdoor areas, but such chemicals can be harmful to the environment, your yard, your animals, and your children.

Insulate Indoor Areas

Pipes in basements, attics, garages, and crawl spaces freeze because these areas aren’t always well insulated. While the rest of your house may be comfortable when the weather is cold, these areas can see below-freezing temperatures. Adding insulation in these parts of your home can keep the temperatures safer for pipes.

Protect Cabinets

The pipes in your kitchen and bathroom cabinets can get too cold because your heater doesn’t affect the air around them. You can use heat tape or a similar product to keep these pipes safe from freezing temperatures. You may also consider a pipe sleeve. If a sudden freeze is coming and you don’t have these products, you can wrap the pipes in a newspaper and keep the cabinets open.

If you do end up with frozen pipes that burst, be sure to turn off the water supply to the pipe and secure the area. Then, you can call a professional restoration company to fix the damage. Doing so can help keep mold and other damage at bay.

What You Need To Know About Contaminated Water

1/31/2022 (Permalink)

Supply line leak causes severe water damage.

The Classifications Of Flood Water

After a flood, there’s a lot to do, and there’s a lot to know. Before you can even touch on the cleanup process, it’s important to understand the classifications of flood water. The process that you or your restoration specialist will have to undergo may vary between the three classifications.

Category 1

Category 1 water is considered clean water, which is not a threat to you or your family. It does not carry any harmful bacteria or pathogens. For instance, this water can include:

• Broken water lines
  
• Toilet holding tanks
  
• Melted snow
  
• Rain water
  
  

Because category 1 is not contaminated water, it can be cleaned easily. Also, if clean water dries out quickly, it should leave little to no damage.

Category 2

Category 2 is called gray water, which may have some chemical contamination. For instance, dishwashers and washing machines may leak soapy water and biological matter. Most gray water comes from these appliances, but also sinks and aquariums.

Category 3

The final category is severely contaminated water. Gray water can become black after 48 hours. Unlike clean water that may come from the supply line, category 3 water carries bacteria and pathogens. Often sewage or outside water falls within this category. While you should always act in haste after a flood, you have to be particularly fast and careful with this type of polluted water.

Flood cleanup can be a difficult time for anyone. However, in order to make the most out of your cleanup and to stay safe while working, you should keep in mind the classifications of flood waters. Category 1 is relatively harmless, while category 3 contaminated water can cause serious damage to your Roberts, WI, home. However, after any flood, it’s imperative to work on cleanup efforts as soon as possible.

3 Steps for Home Flooding Recovery

12/17/2021 (Permalink)

Floodwater in a home.

Home Flooding Recovery

The damages left behind by floodwater in-home settings can be extensive and leave an emotional toll behind as well. This is true whether the water damage resulted from rising waters after prolonged rain or a broken pipe. After flooding recedes, most people want to get back to their normal lives as quickly as possible, but the full recovery from the situation may take a long time. Breaking recovery tasks into orderly chunks may help the process move along more smoothly.

1. Contact Your Insurance Company

Talk to your insurance agent about the terms of your flood insurance. The agent may recommend certain water damage restoration professionals in Glenwood City, WI. Be prepared to share contact information, such as the phone number and address of where you are staying during the recovery process. Discuss steps such as keeping photographic evidence of the damages and holding onto damaged materials as proof of your losses.

2. Maintain Safety

Water in the home and electricity make a dangerous combination. Make sure you shut off the electricity to the home before attempting any repairs or cleanup. Ask professionals about whether it's safe to enter the residence to avoid injuries from gas leaks or fire hazards. Remember to practice basic safety procedures.

• Wear sturdy work gloves and protective hand and eyewear.
• Consider wearing a respirator.
• Don't mix cleaning chemicals, such as chlorine bleach with ammonia.
• Watch out for pests, such as snakes and mice.
  
  

3. Separate Belongings for Professional and DIY Cleaning

You may be able to hose off or rinse out many of your belongings. Some items, such as clothing, can be cared for at a dry cleaning shop. However, many furnishings, such as carpets or upholstered couches, will require specific professional care. Water damage restoration professionals have the right tools and training to clean without causing further damage and will take steps to prevent long-term damages, such as mold.

Remember, after floodwater in-home settings recedes, contact Glenwood City, WI, professionals, ensure safety, and then set aside tasks for professionals. Working methodically through recovery helps get things back to normal more quickly.

3 Signs You May Have a Sewage Problem in Your Home

11/3/2021 (Permalink)

An overflowing toilet can be a sign of a serious clog in your plumbing.

3 Signs Your Home May Have a Sewage Problem

Water problems in your New Richmond, WI, home can cause financial setbacks and other problems that keep you up at night. This may include an old plumbing system that backs up frequently or arranging for sewage cleaning services when your toilets spillover. Catching problems early could lower the risk of flooding and overflow, but you can often prevent these difficulties when you learn to spot the signs of potential sewage trouble.

1. There Is Overflow During Showers

If your toilet backs up and overflows when you run the shower, this can be a sign of a serious clog in your plumbing. If the excess water cannot drain the usual way when the shower is running because of a clog, it may run into the toilet line and cause the bowl to overflow. If a toilet overflow occurs each time you turn on the shower, you may want to call in a plumbing service for sewage cleaning and to have your lines inspected.

2. There Is a Lingering Sewer Smell

Keeping your bathroom clean is probably high on your list of housekeeping priorities, but if a foul odor persists even after you scrub your toilet, you may have a sewer problem. Damaged or cracked pipes could be sending this smell back into your home and could eventually cause your toilet to spew sewer contents up the line and into your bathroom. Asking a plumber or flood damage and restoration company for advice and assistance may prevent a troublesome and messy cleaning job.

3. There Is Inconsistent Flushing Power

If your toilet has become sluggish and does not flush completely, a clogged pipe may be to blame. However, you may also want to check the unit’s flapper or look for a leak around the base before calling a plumber to remove a potential clog.

Sewer issues in your New Richmond, WI, home can be costly in terms of water removal and sewage cleaning. Learning to spot the signs of a possible problem can save you time and money and help you avoid future damage to your home.

Rain Rain Go Away

6/4/2021 (Permalink)

Debris from trees still falls on your roof.

During the winter months we talk a lot about watching your roof and gutters for ice buildup, to help avoid ice dams.  Today we are going to talk about your house gutters again, but only with a non-winter slant.  It may not be fall yet, but debris from trees still falls on your roof, the usual leaves or sticks on a winter day, or the really messy dried pine needles.  All of which can plug your gutters and cause rain run off to flow over the edge and collect around your foundation. 

We suggest that you periodically check your gutters and remove the buildup.  Especially when the weather man is predicting a heavy rain fall.  If the water over flows and lands around your foundation causing an excessive saturation, which can seep into your basement and cause damage.  The good news is, SERVPRO can help with the mitigation.  The bad news, homeowner’s insurance doesn’t always cover for seepage of this sort in most policies.  That’s why it’s a good idea to keep up with your home maintenance to avoid having to call us out.

What To Do When Your House Floods

5/28/2021 (Permalink)

98% of basements in houses in the US are prone to flooding and will experience water damage during their lifespan.

Flooding is a major problem for many residents in the US. Water Damage Defense states that about 98% of basements in houses in the US are prone to flooding and will experience water damage during their lifespan. And when it comes to house floods, no matter how minor it is, it can be damaging and can leave your home vulnerable to damage and mold growth. 

Whether the flooding is caused by heavy rain, sewer back-up, or a broken pipe, it is crucial to deal with the flood as soon as possible to prevent further water damage. Here are the first things that you need to do when faced with house floods.

• Prioritize your safety

Floodwater poses a lot of risks both to your safety and health. The electricity that has come in contact with water can be life-threatening. Make sure to turn off the main breaker and all other individual fuses in your home before you step into the floodwater. If the water is too high, call a licensed electrician to inspect and evaluate your power box condition. Don’t forget to wear protective gear too, such as gloves, boots, and a mask. You don’t know what contaminates the water; it is best to protect yourself against the harmful chemicals present.

If you have kids at home, make sure to refrain your children from eating the foods that may have come in contact with water for an extended period. Transfer furniture and other items that can still be salvaged in a higher area.

• Identify the source of the flood and stop it.

Once the main power supply is turned off, the next thing that you will need to do is to find the cause of flooding and prevent more water from coming into your home. This will help prevent further water damage to your house. If the cause of a house flood is a leaky or broken pipe, then turn off your home’s main water supply.

• Document the damage.

Before you start removing the floodwater to clean up your home, take a video or pictures of everything affected by the water. Documenting the damage done by the flooding is crucial for your insurance claims. Take photos of the damaged items, the warped wall and flooring, and other water damage in your home. Then keep a copy of every single document that you have presented to your insurance agent. 

• Call your insurance provider.

Once all the necessary documents are ready, call your insurance provider and inform them about the incident. Your insurance company will then send an adjuster to inspect the damage and evaluate the losses. 

• Get help from a reputable water damage professional.

You may be tempted to do the water removal and cleaning process on your own. However, time is of the essence when it comes to water damage. The earlier and the faster you deal with the flood, the lesser damage it will cause. The best way to deal with water damage caused by house floods is by calling a reputable water restoration company like Water Damage America. The good thing about hiring professional water restoration contractors is that they can also assist you with your insurance claims.

Not So Pleasant Home Away from Home

3/11/2021 (Permalink)

What do you do?

For most people that are fortunate enough to own a cabin up north, or a second vacation home, the thought of getting away is filled with thoughts of unplugging, relaxing and family time.  Unfortunately, that wasn’t the case for one of our recent clients.  When they arrived at their second property to enjoy a few days of quiet, they opened a door to a home full of water damage and mold.

What do you do?  You are far from home, and don’t really know the area.  Luckily for these clients we had been in the area a few months prior, and their neighbor we worked for gave our number to them.  We were able to coordinate with their insurance adjuster, and work out the cause of the damage and scope of the project.  It was discovered after we brought in a local HVAC provider that the heating core on the furnace had cracked, causing the temperature inside the house to drop, and allowed the water line to freeze and burst. 

Before we could stabilize the environment in the home, we needed to get heat back into it.  That is where we helped the client coordinate with the HVAC company to bring in and install a new furnace.  Once in, we were able to stabilize the climate and coordinate with a mold testing vendor to determine the appropriate course of action to mitigate the mold.  Once the area was properly cleaned, including cleaning the duct system, and damaged areas removed a contractor was able to come in and start the rebuild.

Please follow our page, as we continue to explore the benefits of mitigation, and how this approach helps both your clients and your business. Please call us with any questions you have, 715-381-2266. Visit our site: SERVPRO of The Saint Croix Valley

Follow These Tips to Prevent Spring Thaw Flooding

2/26/2021 (Permalink)

The combination of heavy rains and rapid snow thaw can result in severe home flooding.

Spring is notorious for its unpredictable weather. The combination of heavy rains and rapid snow thaw can result in severe home flooding. Here are vital tips to prepare your home for spring thaw and prevent water damage:

• Remove snow around your house with a shovel so that thawed snow will drain away from your home. Also, remove obstructions or debris that could prevent water from being carried away from your house.
• Check your home’s drainage. Ensure that flood drains outside your house are not obstructed by debris. Check that the floor drains in your home are unobstructed as well. Roof drains should be open and flow freely.
• Maintain gutters and downspouts. Backed up gutters and downspouts are likely to cause overflows and flooding. Remove debris, ice, and snow from gutters and downspouts so water can freely move away from your home.
• Have your roof inspected to ensure that it is prepared for storms and to keep water out of your house.
• Install water alarm and flood sensors if your home is prone to flooding. These devices are designed to send an alert when they detect unwanted water in the home.
• Elevate items in the basement. Relocate sensitive items, such as documents or electronics to the upper levels of your home. If you can’t move items from the basement, move them off the ground and onto shelves or pallets.
• Install a sump pump in the basement. Sump pumps protect your basement from flooding by removing excess water around your home’s foundation, transporting it safely outside. If you already have a sump pump, make sure it is clean and the intake valve is clear. Test the sump pump to ensure it’s in proper condition.
• Purchase flood insurance ahead of time. Most homeowners’ policies do not include flood damage so it’s important to purchase this protection separately.

Oh Boy, My Pipes Froze This Winter

2/10/2021 (Permalink)

Don't wait for Spring Surprises.

You’ve made it to the end of another winter of cold long nights.  You didn’t have to call out SERVPRO because you took care of the snow on your roof and stopped the ice dam build up.  You kept the heat in the house above 55 degrees all winter and turned off your water when you went on that tropical vacation in January.

It’s time to start the clean up the spring and summer seasons.  You hook up your hose to your pressure washer to clean the winter grime off your gutters and eaves.  Pull the trigger on the pressure washer and, nothing happens.  That’s when you realize that you don’t have any water pressure, but where is the water going. 

You turn off the outside facet and run downstairs, to find that water has been running into you finished man cave basement.  The one thing you didn’t check was the pipe running to that outside facet, and you may have forgotten to open the facet to run the rest of the water out of it when you shut the source off.  It’s pretty common and we aren’t surprised that it happened, we get quite a few calls at SERVPRO in the spring in early summer about this exact same thing. 

Please follow our page, as we continue to explore the benefits of mitigation, and how this approach helps both your clients and your business. Please call us with any questions you have, 715-381-2266. Visit our site: SERVPRO of The Saint Croix Valley

3 Top Causes of Winter Water Damage

2/10/2021 (Permalink)

Residential Homes Are Especially Vulnerable to Water Damage

Winter brings along with its chilling temps a host of water damage possibilities. Residential homes are especially vulnerable to water damage during the winter season. Three main types of winter water damage are common when the weather is below freezing. Burst pipes are one of the top sources of water damage that can be prevented. Roof leaks are an enormous burden, which, again, with proper attention, can be stopped before transforming into an expensive repair. Outdoor water sources can also be a likely source of winter water damage when left unattended.

Burst Pipes Are Commonplace

Pipes, whether plastic or metal, are notorious for bursting in subfreezing temps. Contrary to popular assumption, pipes rarely burst due to expanding ice contained within them. Rather, pipes break due to the buildup of water pressure between a sink’s faucet and an ice blockage. No matter how sturdy a pipe may be, it’s no match for expanding water. The pipe will rupture.

Typically, the pipes that are especially prone to breakage are uninsulated ones that are located along the exterior walls and water pipes that run along unheated areas of a home, like the attic, basement, garage, crawl space or underneath a kitchen sink.

Insulation is the number one protection against a burst pipe. Prior to winter, inspect all areas of your home that contain unheated water supply lines. Pipe sleeves can easily be purchased and fitted to the pipes in the garage, under the sink and beneath the bathroom cabinets. If pipe sleeves are unavailable, experts recommend using a quarter-inch of newspaper to surround the pipes, which offers an equally effective solution against the damage caused by sustained freezing temperatures.

Maintain a cozy indoor temperature to prevent frozen pipes. Especially when you are away, run the heat continuously at no less than 55 degrees Fahrenheit. Experts also suggest maintaining a consistent temperature throughout the home. (This is costlier than turning down the heat at night, but it may prevent an even more expensive broken pipe fix.) Another tried and true method to prevent a split in your water pipe is to let the faucet trickle small amounts of water. Dripping even the tiniest volume of water during subfreezing temperatures allows the water to run through the pipe without freezing. Unheated compartments of a home can also benefit from warm air. A winter weather defense strategy like this can be achieved by leaving open the kitchen cupboards and bathroom cabinets to allow warm air to circulate around the pipes. Lastly, keep garage doors closed if water lines run through them.

When water pipes are frozen, they can be thawed. Apply a towel soaked in hot water around the frozen pipes to gently thaw the freeze. An electrical heating pad will do the trick, just as well. Also, keep the faucet running, which allows the flowing water to gradually melt the ice.

Prevent Gutter Blocks to Protect Your Roof

Gutters are invaluable in directing running water away from your home. When gutters freeze, however, or are blocked by ice, they can end up being rather destructive. A home’s gutter system can get weighed down by ice buildups. When the snow along the roof melts from heat that escapes from inside the home and trickles into the gutter, it pools and freezes into what is known as an ice dam. Snow that melts from the home’s internal heat is a key indication that there is a lack of proper insulation.

Ice dams along the gutter put unnecessary stresses on a roof. Water can infiltrate underneath the roof shingles, lifting them up and causing roof damage. Roof leaks are the result. Once a leak happens, you may find unsightly water marks along your home’s ceilings or drips that cascade into your home’s interior—both causes for concern.

When you detect a faulty shingle, take immediate action to replace it, especially prior to the winter season. It’s more cost effective to replace worn shingles as you find them, rather than replacing an entire roof.

Observing your home’s gutters and grading during dry or rainy weather and before winter helps to ensure your roof is properly prepped for winter.

Outside Water Sources Can Spell Disaster

When the first snowflakes fall, it’s far easier to enjoy its splendor than it is to remember what’s left on the ground underneath the snow. Outside water sources can be irksome when subject to subfreezing weather.

Be sure to remove all outdoor hoses from the yard. Drain them and store the dry hoses inside. Plus, shut off valves that supply water to the outdoors. All hose bibs should be opened to allow any remaining water to drain. Experts suggest leaving the outside valve open so that any excess water has enough room to expand without breaking the pipes.

When a water pipe in your home’s plumbing system unexpectedly bursts, surges of water end up penetrating the surrounding areas at breakneck speeds. As a homeowner, you’re left with puddles of water and the likelihood of mold infestations to clean up. Or, perhaps a roof has finally given in during the dead of winter, resulting in drips of water that causes property ruin within minutes.

Water Damage Restoration

Despite all preventive measures, disasters tend to occur. When an emergency happens, contact a professional water damage restoration company, like SERVPRO. Specialists from companies like ours are well-equipped to drain all excess moisture from homes and businesses in substantially less time than a standard dehumidifier. It is crucial to remove standing water immediately, due to the growth of mold and bacteria that occurs within hours.

Water damage restoration technicians use advanced meters to detect the level of water damage. Air movers and other high-tech equipment are used to thoroughly dry out the affected areas.

Our specialists will quickly return your home to its pre-damaged condition.

Please follow our page, as we continue to explore the benefits of mitigation, and how this approach helps both your clients and your business. Please call us with any questions you have, 715-381-2266. Visit our site: SERVPRO of The Saint Croix Valley

Soon It Wil Be Melting Season

2/10/2021 (Permalink)

Spring is coming!

Though it may not feel like it right now, soon seasons will change and we are reminded of the approach of spring, and with that, winter run off.  What have you done to prepare your home for the winter melt?  If you remember a few years ago in the Saint Croix Valley region, the spring brought rivers running over their banks, parking lots flooding, businesses, schools and home basements filling with water.  Now with that year’s crazy weather, there wasn’t much you could do to combat the flooding.  On a more manageable year like the winter we’ve had, there are a few things you can do. 

First, way back in the fall you should have clear your gutters on the roof out one more time, once the leaves were off the trees.  This allows for the roof snow to melt off and drain properly, avoiding water running over the sides and pooling next to your house’s foundation.  Throughout the winter it’s a good idea to rake the snow off your roof as well, this will help avoid ice dams on your roof.  This will also help with the flow of water once the roof snow starts to melt.

Around the foundation of your house, you will want to shovel the snow away and make sure that melting snow flows away from your home.  If you do all of this, and mother nature still decides to not play nice, SERVPRO of The Saint Croix Valley will be here to help, make it like it never even happened. 

Please follow our page, as we continue to explore the benefits of mitigation, and how this approach helps both your clients and your business. Please call us with any questions you have, 715-381-2266. Visit our site: SERVPRO of The Saint Croix Valley

Ice Dam Prevention

1/19/2021 (Permalink)

Stopping ice dams is simple, in principle.

Here’s how to prevent ice dams in 8 steps so you can enjoy a winter free of icicles and the damage they can do to your roof.

Dam Busters

Stopping ice dams is simple, in principle: Just keep the entire roof the same temperature as the eaves. You do that by increasing ventilation, adding insulation, and sealing off every possible air leak that might warm the underside of the roof, as shown in the illustration below. By taking care of these trouble spots, listed here in order of priority, you should enjoy a winter free of dams and use less energy to boot.

1. Ventilate Eaves and Ridge

A ridge vent paired with continuous soffit vents circulates cold air under the entire roof. Both ridge and soffit vents should have the same size openings and provide at least 1 square foot of opening for every 300 square feet of attic floor. Place baffles at the eaves to maintain a clear path for the airflow from the soffit vents.

2. Cap the Hatch

An unsealed attic hatch or whole-house fan is a massive opening for heat to escape. Cover them with weather-stripped caps made from foil-faced foam board held together with aluminum tape.

3. Exhaust to the Outside

Make sure that the ducts connected to the kitchen, bathroom, and dryer vents all lead outdoors through either the roof or walls, but never through the soffit.

4. Add Insulation

More insulation on the attic floor keeps the heat where it belongs. To find how much insulation your attic needs, check with your local building department.

5. Install Sealed Can Lights

Old-style recessed lights give off great plumes of heat and can't be insulated without creating a fire hazard. Replace them with sealed "IC" fixtures, which can be covered with insulation.

6. Flash Around Chimneys

Bridge the gap between chimney and house framing with L-shaped steel flashing held in place with unbroken beads of a fire-stop sealant. Using canned spray foam or insulation isn't fire safe.

7. Seal and Insulate Ducts

Spread fiber-reinforced mastic on the joints of HVAC ducts and exhaust ducts. Cover them entirely with R-5 or R-6 foil-faced fiberglass.

8. Caulk Penetrations

Seal around electrical cables and vent pipes with a fire-stop sealant. Also, look for any spots where light shines up from below or the insulation is stained black by the dirt from passing air.

Why is it important to know where the water shut off is?

1/5/2021 (Permalink)

As a homeowner, it's essential to know where the main water shut off valve is located.

The Importance of Main House Water Shut Off Valves

As a homeowner, it's essential to know where the main water shut off valve is located. Water leaks from running toilets, burst pipes, broken water heaters, and even leaky sinks can cause significant damage in a short amount of time. In order to prevent costly damage, turn off the water supply as soon as a leak, flood, or spill occurs.

When Do I Need to Shut Off My Main Water Line?

Typically, you won't have to go directly to the main water line to fix a leak. Instead, your first attempt at stopping your water supply should be straight at the source. Most local supply lines have valves located directly behind or above the fixture and can be turned clockwise to shut off the water supply.

To locate water valves next to specific fixtures in your home, use these tips:

• For sinks, look under the cabinet on the supply lines leading to the faucet. There will likely be two shut-off valves to control both cold and hot water.
• For toilets, look close to the ground behind or beside the toilet, along the flexible metal tubing leading to the tank.
• For washing machines, look either directly above the washer or pull the machine away from the wall and check behind it.
• For water heaters, the water valve should be located just above the heater itself.

If the leaky fixture's valves aren't working or break off, turn off your main water line right away. Acting fast could save you plenty in damages and repair costs.

How Do I Find My Main House Water Shut Off Valve?

The main water line valve to a house is usually located in the basement or in the crawlspace and enclosed behind an access panel. However, there isn't a standard location specified in any home.

If you don't know where to look for your water shut off valve, use these tips:

• The valve will often be located on-grade, so you'll likely find it at floor-level in the basement or near the ground on the first floor.
• Take a look at the property inspection report provided when you purchased your home. This report should note the location of the valve.

Maintaining Your Water Valves

At SERVPRO of The Saint Croix Valley, we know how terrifying it can be to try shutting off your supply lines just to see the valves stick in place – or worse, snap off in your hands. That's why we recommend periodically checking your shut off valves to ensure they're in good working condition.

At least twice a year, test all the valves in your home. Simply turn them completely off and on again to ensure they aren't stuck in place or include faulty parts. That way, if an emergency ever does occur, you can have peace of mind that you'll be able to fix the problem quickly and efficiently.

If the unexpected happens and you aren’t able to shut off your water valves in time, call on the experts at SERVPRO of THE SAINT CROIX VALLEY. Our water damage restoration services can help you get your home back to normal as quickly as possible. With the proper tools and knowledge, we'll work fast and efficiently to prevent additional water damage, cleanup costs, and overall stress.

Everything you need to know about frozen pipes

12/17/2020 (Permalink)

If you live in an area of the country that gets cold winters, one of those things that can go wrong is a frozen pipe that bursts.

As a homeowner, you have a list of maintenance items and things that can go wrong in your home. If you live in an area of the country that gets cold winters, one of those things that can go wrong is a frozen pipe that bursts. Burst pipes can cause massive water damage in your home and become a very expensive mess to clean up. You need more information to keep your pipes from bursting.

What causes a water pipe to burst?

Of course, there is more than one reason that a water pipe in your home can burst. It's beneficial to be aware of the various causes of pipes bursting, including:

• Corrosion: If your pipes are made from metal, over the years, they begin to rust and weaken. This weakness can cause your pipe to burst.
• High water pressure: Your pipes can burst if the water pressure is too high. According to Energy.gov, your water pressure shouldn't exceed 60 pounds of pressure per square inch (PSI). 
• Tree roots: As the pipes wind through your yard to the house, tree roots may grow into them, and this causes the pipes to burst. 
• Shifting soil: If construction is going on around your home, it's possible for the soil to shift and your water pipes to burst. 
• Clogs: Excess toilet paper and hair can create clogs in your pipe, and if these clogs get large enough, it can cause the pipe to burst. 
• Freezing temperatures: When the temperatures dip low enough, the water in your pipes can freeze. As ice builds up in a single location, it applies pressure to the pipe, leaving it vulnerable to bursting. 

After learning the common cause of burst water pipes, you can take steps to avoid problems. You don't want the expense and aggravation of dealing with a burst pipe. 

At what temperatures do pipes freeze? 

Is it enough that the temperature outside is freezing for my pipes to freeze? No, not really.

You need to remember that both the ground and the material of the pipe need to freeze before the water inside it will freeze. You need a few days and possibly weeks of freezing weather before the water inside freezes. In order for the water inside your pipe to freeze overnight the outside temperature needs to reach 20 degrees Fahrenheit. While you can't do anything about freezing temperatures, there are things that you can do to protect your pipes.

How can you protect your pipes from freezing and bursting?

You don't want to deal with the mess and expense that come from a burst pipe, no matter the cause. Fortunately for burst pipes due to freezing, there are some steps you can take to prevent them from freezing and to prevent them from bursting if they've become frozen. Here are some tips to avoid frozen pipes, including:

Leave the water on at a drip: While moving water can freeze, it's much less likely that water in your pipes will freeze if it's moving. It's beneficial when you hear that your area is experiencing or expected to experience a deep freeze that you turn on each of your faucets to a drip. It doesn't need to be a heavy flow. A slow drip is enough, and it shouldn't affect your water bill too drastically. It's certainly cheaper than replacing pipes, and the cost of repairs due to water damage. 

• Keep your garage doors shut: If you have water pipes that wind their way through the garage, you want to keep the doors shut to keep the temperatures inside the garage warmer, and hopefully, above freezing. 
• Open cabinet doors; You need to open the cabinet doors below any sinks or other water sources in your home. By opening the cabinet doors, you allow the warmed air in your home to reach part of the pipes inside the home. This keeps the pipes warmers so that they don't freeze. 
• Maintain a constant temperature: Many people lower the temperature in their homes at night during the winter months to sleep more comfortably and to save money on utility bills. However, to protect your pipes, it's better to pay a little more on your utility bills and protect your pipes by not allowing your home to become too cool at night. 
• Add insulation: To keep your attic, basement and crawl spaces warmer during hard freezes, add insulation to these areas. These are places where pipes are apt to freeze and burst due to the colder temperatures in these areas.
• Remove hoses: If you have hoses attached to your home, remove and store them during the winter months. It's also a good idea to shut off the water running to the outdoor faucets while leaving them in an open position. The remaining water will flow out of the pipes.

If you've done all of this, and you still suspect that you have a frozen pipe, you can still keep the pipe from bursting. Follow these tips:

• Turn the faucet on to a drip: If you suspect that you have a frozen pipe, you need to turn it on to a drip. As you attempt to melt the ice blocking the pipe, running helps the ice to melt faster. However, you don't want to turn the faucet on full, because the pressure of the water behind the pipe might cause it to burst. 
• Apply heat to the blocked area: If you can locate the area of the pipe that has the frozen blockage, you can apply heat with a hairdryer, heating pad, a space heater or some other non-flammable source. This will melt the ice inside and allow the water to flow freely again. 
• Call a professional: When you can't find the frozen section or it's behind a wall or under the floor, it's time to call a professional. 

Among other things, cold weather can cause a water pipe in your home to burst. However, the outside temperatures must reach around 20 degrees Fahrenheit and below for this to happen. By following our tips, you can avoid frozen pipes and pipes bursting due to freezing temperatures. 

Keeping Your Basement Dry

10/8/2020 (Permalink)

During the wet months of the year we run across homes that have had multiple water events in the basement over the years.

During the wet months of the year we run across homes that have had multiple water events in the basement over the years.  These homeowners have redone landscaping, put up new gutters and downspouts and, still have water, in the basement.  What else can a homeowner do?  The can look into drain tile options:

What is Drain Tile?

Chances are, if your home has a basement and has experienced flooding, someone has told you to get drain tile. But what is drain tile and how does it help?

Essentially drain tile is a way to protect your home from groundwater flooding. It redirects water away from your home before it can enter and cause damage. It is one of those things you never need – until you do! Increased run off from urban expansion and more frequent severe weather systems make our homes more likely to flood. Investing in a drain tile system could save you from lengthy insurance claims and expensive cleanups in the future.

 How Drain Tile Works

Despite its name, drain tile is actually not tile at all. When used in the construction industry it actually refers to drainage piping. Drain tile is a system of subterranean drainage laid around the footings of a building. Water always chooses the path of least resistance so drain tile offers the easiest path. The pipe used for drain tile is porous so water finds its way into the pipe system rather than your home. Water is then directed away from your home using gravity or an electric sump pump. Once in the pipe the system directs the water to a dry well or releases it above ground to run off into a storm drain or sewage system.

Honey, We Have a Pool In the Basement

7/8/2020 (Permalink)

Sights like these can take your breath away.

With the recent storm our office has had quite few calls about standing water in homeowners’ basements.  Once the water has been mitigated, the next question we get asked is how to stop this from happening again.  We aren’t experts in the stopping it from happening again area, but we can give you some suggestions to think about.

You constantly keep your gutters cleaned out, and everything unplugged, but your gutters still overflow in a heavy rain.  Maybe the size of gutter you have is too small for the amount of rain that comes off your roof.  If you have a 3 or 4 inch gutter system, look at installing a 5-7 inch gutter to accommodate the volume of rain.  Is your problem standing water around your foundation?  You may need to address your landscaping, making sure that your yard slopes away from your foundation.  If your yard is properly sloped and you still have excess water sitting in your yard a French drain may help with this.  Finally if your problem is seepage into your basement from a high sitting water table, a tile drain system with sump pump may be the answer.  Typically you would want to discuss any of these solutions with an expert to have them properly installed. 

Please follow our page, as we continue to explore the benefits of mitigation, and how this approach helps both your clients and your business. Please call us with any questions you have, 715-381-2266. Visit our site: SERVPRO of The Saint Croix Valley

Rain Rain Go Away

6/17/2020 (Permalink)

It’s a good idea to keep up with your home maintenance.

During the winter months we talk a lot about watching your roof and gutters for ice buildup, to help avoid ice dams.  Today we are going to talk about your house gutters again, but only with a non winter slant.  It may not be fall yet, but debris from trees still falls on your roof, the usual leaves or sticks on a winter day, or the really messy dried pine needles.  All of which can plug your gutters and cause rain run off to flow over the edge and collect around your foundation. 

We suggest that you periodically check your gutters and remove the buildup.  Especially when the weather man is predicting a heavy rain fall.  If the water over flows and lands around your foundation causing an excessive saturation, which can seep into your basement and cause damage.  The good news is, SERVPRO can help with the mitigation.  The bad news, homeowners insurance doesn’t always cover for seepage of this sort in most policies.  That’s why it’s a good idea to keep up with your home maintenance to avoid having to call us out.

Please follow our page, as we continue to explore the benefits of mitigation, and how this approach helps both your clients and your business. Please call us with any questions you have, 715-381-2266.

Not So Pleasant Home Away From Home

3/27/2020 (Permalink)

For most people that are fortunate enough to own a cabin up north, or a second vacation home, the thought of getting away is filled with thoughts of unplugging, relaxing and family time.  Unfortunately, that wasn’t the case for one of our recent clients.  When they arrived at their second property to enjoy a few days of quiet, they opened a door to a home full of water damage and mold.

What do you do?  You are far from home, and don’t really know the area.  Luckily for these clients we had been in the area a few months prior, and their neighbor we worked for gave our number to them.  We were able to coordinate with their insurance adjuster, and work out the cause of the damage and scope of the project.  It was discovered after we brought in a local HVAC provider that the heating core on the furnace had cracked, causing the temperature inside the house to drop, and allowed the water line to freeze and burst. 

Before we could stabilize the environment in the home we needed to get heat back into it.  That is where we helped the client coordinate with the HVAC company to bring in and install a new furnace.  Once in, we were able to stabilize the climate and coordinate with a mold testing vendor to determine the appropriate course of action to mitigate the mold.  Once the area was properly cleaned, including cleaning the duct system, and damaged areas removed a contractor was able to come in and start the rebuild.

Please follow our page, as we continue to explore the benefits of mitigation, and how this approach helps both your clients and your business. Please call us with any questions you have, 715-381-2266. Visit our site: SERVPRO of The Saint Croix Valley

Well I Guess My Pipes Froze This Winter

2/26/2020 (Permalink)

Frozen Pipes Can Be a Hidden Surprise.

You’ve made it to the end of another winter of cold long nights.  You didn’t have to call out SERVPRO because you took care of the snow on your roof and stopped the ice dam build up.  You kept the heat in the house above 55 degrees all winter and turned off your water when you went on that tropical vacation in January.

It’s time to start the clean up the spring and summer seasons.  You hook up your hose to your pressure washer to clean the winter grime off your gutters and eaves.  Pull the trigger on the pressure washer and, nothing happens.  That’s when you realize that you don’t have any water pressure, but where is the water going. 

You turn off the outside facet and run downstairs, to find that water has been running into you finished man cave basement.  The one thing you didn’t check was the pipe running to that outside facet, and you may have forgotten to open the facet to run the rest of the water out of it when you shut the source off.  It’s pretty common and we aren’t surprised that it happened, we get quite a few calls at SERVPRO in the spring in early summer about this exact same thing. 

Please follow our page, as we continue to explore the benefits of mitigation, and how this approach helps both your clients and your business. Please call us with any questions you have, 715-381-2266. Visit our site: SERVPRO of The Saint Croix Valley

Tis the Melting Season

2/24/2020 (Permalink)

While they might be pleasing to the eye, ice dams can be very destructive to property.

With temperatures over 40 degrees this weekend, we are reminded of the approach of spring, and with that, winter run off.  What have you done to prepare your home for the winter melt?  If you remember last year in the Saint Croix Valley region, the spring brought rivers running over their banks, parking lots flooding, businesses, schools and home basements filling with water.  Now with last year’s crazy weather, there wasn’t much you could do to combat the flooding.  On a more manageable year like the winter we’ve had, there are a few things you can do. 

First, way back in the fall you should have clear your gutters on the roof out one more time, once the leaves were off the trees.  This allows for the roof snow to melt off and drain properly, avoiding water running over the sides and pooling next to your house’s foundation.  Throughout the winter it’s a good idea to rake the snow off your roof as well, this will help avoid ice dams on your roof.  This will also help with the flow of water once the roof snow starts to melt.

Around the foundation of your house you will want to shovel the snow away and make sure that melting snow flows away from your home.  If you do all of this, and mother nature still decides to not play nice, SERVPRO of The Saint Croix Valley will be here to help, make it like it never even happened. 

Please follow our page, as we continue to explore the benefits of mitigation, and how this approach helps both your clients and your business. Please call us with any questions you have, 715-381-2266. Visit our site: SERVPRO of The Saint Croix Valley

Why is it important to know where the water shut is?

1/3/2020 (Permalink)

The Importance of Main House Water Shut Off Valves

As a homeowner, it's essential to know where the main water shut off valve is located. Water leaks from running toilets, burst pipes, broken water heaters, and even leaky sinks can cause significant damage in a short amount of time. In order to prevent costly damage, turn off the water supply as soon as a leak, flood, or spill occurs.

When Do I Need to Shut Off My Main Water Line?

Typically, you won't have to go directly to the main water line to fix a leak. Instead, your first attempt at stopping your water supply should be straight at the source. Most local supply lines have valves located directly behind or above the fixture and can be turned clockwise to shut off the water supply.

To locate water valves next to specific fixtures in your home, use these tips:

• For sinks, look under the cabinet on the supply lines leading to the faucet. There will likely be two shut-off valves to control both cold and hot water.
• For toilets, look close to the ground behind or beside the toilet, along the flexible metal tubing leading to the tank.
• For washing machines, look either directly above the washer or pull the machine away from the wall and check behind it.
• For water heaters, the water valve should be located just above the heater itself.

If the leaky fixture's valves aren't working or break off, turn off your main water line right away. Acting fast could save you plenty in damages and repair costs.

How Do I Find My Main House Water Shut Off Valve?

The main water line valve to a house is usually located in the basement or in the crawlspace and enclosed behind an access panel. However, there isn't a standard location specified in any home.

If you don't know where to look for your water shut off valve, use these tips:

• The valve will often be located on-grade, so you'll likely find it at floor-level in the basement or near the ground on the first floor.
• Take a look at the property inspection report provided when you purchased your home. This report should note the location of the valve.

Maintaining Your Water Valves

At SERVPRO of The Saint Croix Valley, we know how terrifying it can be to try shutting off your supply lines just to see the valves stick in place – or worse, snap off in your hands. That's why we recommend periodically checking your shut off valves to ensure they're in good working condition.

At least twice a year, test all the valves in your home. Simply turn them completely off and on again to ensure they aren't stuck in place or include faulty parts. That way, if an emergency ever does occur, you can have peace of mind that you'll be able to fix the problem quickly and efficiently.

If the unexpected happens and you aren’t able to shut off your water valves in time, call on the experts at SERVPRO of THE SAINT CROIX VALLEY. Our water damage restoration services can help you get your home back to normal as quickly as possible. With the proper tools and knowledge, we'll work fast and efficiently to prevent additional water damage, cleanup costs, and overall stress.

Breaking Through The Panic When You Need Water Damage Restoration

12/6/2019 (Permalink)

You were just relaxing at home when all of a sudden, there was a loud clunk and then a rushing sound as water began to pour into your basement. Maybe the rains came and didn’t stop for so long that the ground became saturated and water seeped into your living room. It could have been an unnoticed leak behind the walls, or even improperly sealed doors. But whatever the cause of unwanted moisture in your home, the result is the same – water damage that destroys property and creates a breeding ground for all sorts of nasty stuff.

When this happens, we feel panic because the water needs to be stopped and removed as quickly as possible to minimize the damage. The longer it sits around – or worse, continues to flow – the more significant the health hazards.

We know it’s an insane time, but we’re here to help guide you through the process, from important first steps to finding and engaging excellent water damage restoration services. Take a deep breath, center yourself, and then get started. The following steps will prepare you to safely address water damage in your home.

Stop or contain the flow of water if possible 

If the cause is a burst pipe, locate the main water valve and turn it off. This is also helpful if you have a leaky pipe that is merely dripping, but if it is in an accessible area, you can choose to catch the drops in a bucket rather than cut off water to the entire home. If you’ve had a flood, discover where most of the water is entering and try to divert the flow with strategically placed sandbags.

Turn off electricity 

When you have standing water, it can be a good safety precaution to cut power to the affected areas of the home. Before you step into any standing water, check to see if electricity is flowing through it by lightly grazing the water with the back of your hand. If you feel any tingling at all, evacuate the home and call for emergency services. You may also want to have an electrician come to check out the system before turning the power back on.

Call a reputable water damage restoration company 

The best companies are ones that are available 24/7 to assess the damage, quote a price for necessary services, and schedule the work to be done quickly. If there has been flooding in the area, the most reliable providers will get booked up fast, so get on their schedule as soon as possible. Also beware of companies that spring up overnight after natural disasters; they are likely not prepared or qualified to perform the work.

Deal with the standing water 

Bailing out standing water and overseeing the drying process is part of the package that your water damage restoration company will offer you. If you want to get started right away, you can begin removing standing water with a wet/dry vacuum or with buckets. However, flood waters are often contaminated with dangerous germs and the collected water needs to be dumped carefully so that it doesn’t flow back into your home. For these reasons, it may be best to wait for the professionals. If you do decide to begin the work yourself, be sure to wear protective gear.

Increase the ventilation

Good air flow is critical for drying out a home that has been flooded. If it’s not raining, open the windows to release moisture as it evaporates. If you still have power, run multiple fans as well as a dehumidifier. The more air you can move through the area, the faster it will dry. Don’t worry about this too much if you don’t have power – your water damage experts will have a plan for ventilation.

Remove wet possessions

It is likely that certain possessions will be destroyed by the water, especially things made of paper. If you have important files that got wet, each page should be laid out separately to dry. Though they will be warped and wrinkled, you may still be able to read the information. Books should be thrown away as water can remain trapped in the bindings and easily grow mold. 

Items made of metal dry quickly but may later rust around joints, and wooden items will have to be assessed after drying to determine if they are still structurally sound. Cloth that can be washed and dried, either on a line or in the dryer, should be safe to keep.

Relax and wait for help

The days or possibly weeks ahead will be stressful, especially if you have to vacate your home during repairs. Even if you can stay home, water damage restoration can be disruptive to your routine. Once you have done all you can to salvage as many possessions as possible, take some time to rest and recuperate. Take the family out for a comforting meal or snuggle together in one room to read. If you’ve had to leave home, enjoy the amenities offered by your hotel. Family bonding is one bright side to a disaster situation.

If you have experienced water damage, you know it is a serious hassle to manage. There will be time, money, and possessions lost in the effort to recover. Just try not to panic as that can freeze you in your tracks when time is of the essence. It’s also really important that you do engage a water damage restoration firm to make your home safe again. Dangerous mold grows easily in areas that have been flooded, and certain structures including support beams and drywall can become unsound. The whole situation stinks, but rest assured that there are qualified professionals in your area that can help make your house a home again.  

Weathering the storm: how your business can mitigate natural disasters

12/6/2019 (Permalink)

2017 was the seventh most active hurricane season in the historical record dating to 1851 and was the most active season since 2005.

The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration is predicting a lot of activity this hurricane season, with as many as 16 named storms. This follows a historic 2017 hurricane season, which precipitated the most costly year on record for insurers, according to Swiss Re.

A savvy use of technology combined with equally savvy advanced planning can help companies prepare for the worst and expedite their recovery after a storm clears. Technology for storm preparation and recovery is steadily expanding in sophistication and utility, from drones that can navigate the interiors of flooded buildings to artificial intelligence-enabled applications that enhance modeling and speed claims processes.

Claims: The quicker, the better

Whether Fortune 500 firms or small businesses, companies share a common goal when it comes to recovery after a hurricane or other major natural disaster: They want to replace lost inventory, infrastructure, stores, offices and plants; ensure their employees are safe; and get back to normal operations as soon as possible.

Being able to file an advance claim — or, for that matter, help employees begin their own rebuilding process — hinges on how quickly and efficiently companies can gather the information and documentation needed in the chaotic aftermath of a major natural disaster.

In a recent Marsh survey, more than 80 percent of respondents indicated they would consider changing insurers or other advisers based on their ability to provide claims management innovations.

In a recent Marsh survey, more than 80 percent of respondents indicated they would consider changing insurers or other advisers based on their ability to provide claims management innovations.

Leveraging technology, from drones to social media, can be crucial to prioritizing company response actions, speeding up the claims process and getting the money needed to begin rebuilding, while also enabling employees to file their own claims for lost or damaged cars and homes.

Visual intelligence

Visual intelligence made a big difference in accelerating organizations’ recovery after hurricanes Harvey, Irma and Maria last year. In Houston, one hospital, flooded in the aftermath of Harvey, was able to use drones to capture evidence of the damage the water had wrought, with footage of the waterline along the complex.

In the Florida Keys, a retailer gathered critical information on the condition of its stores by leveraging imagery acquired via fixed-wing aircraft with sensitive imaging technology to document hurricane damage to all of its stores.

The flyovers helped the retailer take stock of the damage at each location and focus its recovery efforts on swiftly reopening undamaged stores while simultaneously directing restoration teams to the one location where Irma had blown the roof off.

The value of drones

Drones, aerial intelligence surveillance reconnaissance (hovering drones), fixed-wing aircraft, helicopters and satellites can gather crucial information from devastated areas far faster than people on the ground. Drones also can save employees or adjusters from having to enter still-hazardous areas and scramble up on rickety roofs and other structures to check damage.

Deploying directly over the top of facilities sometimes can be a cause for concern to risk managers, but 360-degree panoramas developed through the clever processing of drone footage can offer detailed intelligence from a safe distance at the site perimeter.

3D imagery, in turn, provides a far fuller picture of damage than traditional photographic images, while a plane or drone equipped with thermal technology can spot flooding and roof damage at night or when it otherwise might be hard to see.

A plane or drone equipped with thermal technology can spot flooding and roof damage at night or when it otherwise might be hard to see.

And thanks to advances in battery power and operator navigation technology, drones are starting to be used to inspect building interiors. In a recent case in the United Kingdom, a drone was used to inspect the fire-ravaged interior of a commercial building full of high-value machinery, safely performing what otherwise would have been a potentially risky job for an employee or contractor.

Don’t forget public information sources

While drones and other aerial technologies are exciting, companies also can glean crucial intelligence about the condition of their facilities through careful monitoring of public sources of information, such as Twitter, Facebook, other online platforms, and even closed-circuit television cameras.

All of these techniques can help businesses resolve claims, recover from storms and return to normal operations more quickly.

For example, a retailer with a $24 million store loss may be able to get an advance payment of $10 million on undisputed costs if it can show its insurer through video or photographic evidence that a return to work is impossible or that a location is a complete loss.

Is it worth having your own capacity?

As companies consider using visual intelligence technology to gather critical storm damage information, they’ll need to decide whether to hire an outside vendor or build up in-house capabilities. Some companies, especially in the energy sector, have invested heavily in building out their own visual intelligence capabilities.

Hiring seasoned drone pilots or training employees to handle this technology, however, can be an expensive process. Investing in external contractors might be the better course of action so that you can draw on precisely the right technologies and analysis.

If you work with an outside vendor, make sure its personnel are fully versed in regulations and the practical operational requirements for deploying any type of aerial technology in disaster situations, when emergency responders may be controlling airspace. You also may want to consider a vendor’s overseas reach, in case Caribbean territories are once again in the spotlight in 2018.

Working at street level

This survey technology need not be airborne. If streets are passable, then Lidar, a laser scanner system, can be mounted on the roof of a van and instantaneously can take millions of measurements as it drives through a neighborhood to create 3D models. Put on a boat, the same device — coupled with an optical camera — could provide crucial documentation of a flooded neighborhood.

If streets are passable, then Lidar can be mounted on the roof of a van and instantaneously can take millions of measurements as it drives through a neighborhood.

Insurers more often are on the scene with mobile claims units that travel into storm-damaged areas to help homeowners and others file their claims, but they’re using technology in other ways. As some insurers allow customers to process claims via text messaging, email and mobile apps, images of flooded or otherwise damaged homes and cars can give employees stranded in shelters or hotels the ability to start the claims process before they eventually return home.

Similarly, receipts and other documentation can be transmitted digitally. Behind the scenes, sophisticated software and artificial intelligence can help insurers process the incoming data and build the claim file.

Staying in touch with employees

Meanwhile, employers will want to establish a way to communicate vital information to employees after a storm hits and keep tabs on their well-being. Because major hurricanes severely can disrupt communications networks, you’ll want to establish at least three methods through which employees can get the information they need and report back to the company on their status.

One increasingly popular method is to hire a third-party mass notification vendor to handle such critical communications. In the event of a major storm or other emergency, the messaging service will reach out to employees by email, phone and text.

The messages also may ask employees to register whether they are OK. This can provide a quick snapshot on how employees are faring and how many will be able to return to work.

With hurricane season upon us, new technologies can help businesses and individuals better prioritize their efforts, more efficiently collect information in support of claims payments from insurers, and accelerate a return to normal operations.

Flooding vs. Water Damage

4/3/2019 (Permalink)

Learn the differences, similarities and causes between the two and how to handle water removal and cleanup.

Flooding vs. Water Damage

Whether you’re dealing with water damage or flooding, both can cause big problems and usually require professionals to perform water cleanup. Depending on the size and scope of your situation, your home may require water removal, flood repair or further restoration. While flooding caused by natural disasters or severe weather may be inevitable, there are some preventative measures you can take in and around your house to help slow the flow of water and/or help minimize the damage. The same goes for water damage – if you identify areas around the home that are more prone to water damage than others, you can take action to help prevent or at least decrease the amount and severity of the damage.

Causes and Effects of Flooding and Water Damage

Flooding can happen as a result of both natural and manmade causes, and it can affect the inside and outside areas of your home and property. During a very rainy season, yards can become oversaturated and if there isn’t adequate drainage, or if you have slow-draining soil, flooding is usually inevitable. Preventative measures – such as enhancing your yard’s soil composition and adding plants with deep roots and a high tolerance for water – are a good way to make your yard less susceptible to flooding. These measures can also minimize the amount of flood cleanup if you do experience heavy storms.

 Leaky or faulty appliances, burst pipes and water damage that’s not repaired in a timely manner are all non-weather related causes of flooding. Low-lying areas of a home – such as a basement or the foundation – are often more prone to flooding since they are at or below ground level and may experience rising waters from surrounding bodies of water (lakes, rivers, streams) that can overflow during heavy periods of rain. Also, basements oftentimes have multiple pipes running both under the ground and through the ceilings, making them vulnerable to flooding.

Water damage is one of the results of flooding. Even after water removal, the remnants of flooding can appear in the form of discoloration on walls, damaged flooring and mold growth. Common causes include leaky appliances, plumbing issues and heavy periods of rain. Homeowners can help avoid water damage to their homes by having several annual inspections. These include roof inspections (to detect leaks and other areas that may be vulnerable to penetration) and appliance checkups (to make sure they are all running properly and to replace any faulty parts). If left untreated, you will probably end up having to contact professional water cleanup services, like SERVPRO of The Saint Croix Valley, to properly address and repair any damage incurred.

 Similarities and Differences

 Flooding and water damage are both caused by natural sources such as heavy periods of rain/natural disasters and manmade sources like burst pipes and leaky or faulty appliances.

Depending on the level and severity, both situations will usually require help from professional water cleanup services and/or flood repair.

Flooding is usually an immediate occurrence that can happen in a matter of minutes or even seconds (think: a burst pipe or an overflowing toilet).

Many insurance companies consider water damage and flood damage two different types of claims. While water damage is typically covered under most homeowners insurance, it’s important to carefully read over your policy, as some insurers may only cover certain types of water damage.

How to Deal With Water Removal

 If you have flooding or water damage on your hands, you’ll probably need the help of professional water cleanup services like SERVPRO of The Saint Croix Valley. We can handle the initial assessment/inspection, water removal and drying/containment, and help prevent further water damage throughout the entire water cleanup process. If your home or property requires restoration, you may have to contact a contractor to help with water damage/flood repairs in order to completely restore your home back to its original state. You’ll also want to get in touch with your home insurance company to report the damage and see if it’s covered under your policy.

Important Information About Your Water Shut Off

1/2/2019 (Permalink)

Labeling your water shut-off valve is an excellent way for it to be identified in case of an emergency.

As a homeowner, it's essential to know where the main water shut off valve is located. Water leaks from running toilets, burst pipes, broken water heaters, and even leaky sinks can cause significant damage in a short amount of time. In order to prevent costly damage, turn off the water supply as soon as a leak, flood, or spill occurs.

When Do I Need to Shut Off My Main Water Line?

Typically, you won't have to go directly to the main water line to fix a leak. Instead, your first attempt at stopping your water supply should be straight at the source. Most local supply lines have valves located directly behind or above the fixture and can be turned clockwise to shut off the water supply.

To locate water valves next to specific fixtures in your home, use these tips:

• For sinks, look under the cabinet on the supply lines leading to the faucet. There will likely be two shut-off valves to control both cold and hot water.
• For toilets, look close to the ground behind or beside the toilet, along the flexible metal tubing leading to the tank.
• For washing machines, look either directly above the washer or pull the machine away from the wall and check behind it.
• For water heaters, the water valve should be located just above the heater itself.

If the leaky fixture's valves aren't working or break off, turn off your main water line right away. Acting fast could save you plenty in damages and repair costs.

How Do I Find My Main House Water Shut Off Valve?

The main water line valve to a house is usually located in the basement or in the crawlspace and enclosed behind an access panel. However, there isn't a standard location specified in any home.

If you don't know where to look for your water shut off valve, use these tips:

• The valve will often be located on-grade, so you'll likely find it at floor-level in the basement or near the ground on the first floor.
• Take a look at the property inspection report provided when you purchased your home. This report should note the location of the valve.

Maintaining Your Water Valves

At SERVPRO of The Saint Croix Valley, we know how terrifying it can be to try shutting off your supply lines just to see the valves stick in place – or worse, snap off in your hands. That's why we recommend periodically checking your shut off valves to ensure they're in good working condition.

At least twice a year, test all the valves in your home. Simply turn them completely off and on again to ensure they aren't stuck in place or include faulty parts. That way, if an emergency ever does occur, you can have peace of mind that you'll be able to fix the problem quickly and efficiently.

If the unexpected happens and you aren’t able to shut off your water valves in time, call on the experts at SERVPRO of THE SAINT CROIX VALLEY. Our water damage restoration services can help you get your home back to normal as quickly as possible. With the proper tools and knowledge, we'll work fast and efficiently to prevent additional water damage, cleanup costs, and overall stress.

OH THE DAMAGE A DISHWASHER CAN DO!

10/2/2018 (Permalink)

This isn't ever a pleasant sight to find but, with a little knowledge this won't have to put you through the "rinse cycle!"

Dishwashers are great, but also encompass great water damage potential. Imagine a dishwasher breaking down while working, all full of water. The amount of water flowing would be overwhelming, especially since in most cases the water keeps flowing as the dishwasher doesn't stop the water flow.

While in most cases a dishwasher failing causes only a small water flood, in more complex cases the damage goes far beyond just blotting the water. In some cases, that dishwasher will really be disruptive to your daily routine.

THE WORST CASE SCENARIO OF DISHWASHER WATER DAMAGE

You're getting ready for work. You put all the dishes in the dishwasher, hit the start button, pick up your keys from the counter, and you and the kids are out the door off to another regular day. Or at least the beginning of a regular day. With the workday behind you, you go home to get the house prepared for another afternoon of fun & kids. You open the door, walk to the kitchen, and see a big puddle of water next to the dishwasher. Uh oh. Bad sign #1.

You check the dishwasher, and see it's off now. The water isn't running anymore. But the water traveled around the kitchen. And all the way to the basement stairs. You walk over, only to see the water spilled down the stairs. How long has the water been standing there? And how are you going to handle the water now?

Steps of Water Damage Restoration

If you have water damage, either from a dishwasher or other water sources (leaky pipes, for example) the remediation process is quite similar - stop the water flow, call the experts, get the water out, dry the area and fix the damage.

The sooner you find out about the water leaks, the easier it is to restore your property and clean up the mess. If your dishwasher just broke, and you closed the water immediately, you may not have even suffered from minor water damage yet. But if your water heater broke sometime last night, and you only just found out - your water heater just caused a lot of water damage. Same goes for the case mentioned above - as one of our customers found out.

Dishwasher Breakage Taking Down the House. Almost.

The dishwasher leaked all the way to the basement. The basement ceiling got wet, the kitchen floor got soaked, and the basement's carpets got drenched as well. Getting the water out was not a simple task, but we got it done. We used professional water extraction machines to get all the excess water out of the kitchen and basement. After we got rid of the water, we started the drying process - removing all items that could not be restored to preloss condition and drying them, placing air movers and dehumidifiers to dry the floors and ceiling and eventually fixing the parts of the drywall that got removed as well.

It wasn't a simple job, but we had it done in 10 days. It was more than we thought it would take, but the water from that dishwasher went as far as it could and caused big damage. Never underestimate the power of water, especially when it comes to water damage and your home.

Top 3 Facts About Water Damage Restoration for The Saint Croix Valley

8/20/2018 (Permalink)

Fact #1: The First 24 to 48 Hours Are Critical

If your home is flooded, the first 24 to 48 hours are critical because this is all the time mold and other microorganisms needs to begin growing and thriving.

Five conditions are required by fungi and bacteria to germinate, grow, amplify, and disseminate:

• Organic food source, especially cellulose (e.g., paper, wood), which are found in abundance in construction materials.
• Moisture, even high humidity (60% RH plus)
• Moderate temperature – 68-86°F/20-30°C
• Stagnant air
• Time – several hours to several days.

Water damage restoration has two main goals. First, to restore the home to preloss condition. Second, to prevent the onset of mold and other microorganisms.

In order to accomplish these goals, you need to take action immediately. These are the action steps.

1. Contact a restoration contractor immediately to begin the removal of excess water. Once the excess water is removed, the restoration contractor can deploy drying equipment, dehumidifiers, and air movers, which will be effective at preventing mold growth.
2. Contact your insurance company to begin the claims process.

Fact #2: Mold Growth Is Not the Only Concern

The other reason time is not on your side relates to the bio-hazard level of the water. There are three hazard levels.

Category 1 Water, also known as clean water, is not considered hazardous because it originated directly from a sanitary source such as a broker water supply line, melting ice or snow, rain water, and/or uncontaminated tub or sink water.

Category 2 Water, also known as gray water, is a health concern because the water originated from a contaminated source such as discharge from dishwashers or washing machines, toilet bowl overflows (urine, no feces), seepage due to hydrostatic pressure, and sump pump failures. Gray water has bacteria present that carry nutrients for microorganisms that cause sickness and discomfort when consumed.

Category 3 Water, also known as black water, is the worst level of water contamination because the water originated from sewage, rising flood water from rivers and streams, and ground surface water flowing horizontally into the home. Black water can cause death and sickness because it can be contaminated with E. coli; Acanthamoeba; Salmonella; Helicobacter pylori; Leptospira; Cryptosporidium; Giardia; Hepatitis A Virus; Clostridium Tetani; and Adenoviridae. Illnesses caused by black water include gastroenteritis; Weil’s disease also known as Leptospirosis; Hepatitis; acute respiratory illnesses; and tetanus.

The problem with standing flood water is that the risk of bio-hazard increases as time passes. In short, after two to three days, clean water can turn to gray water, and eventually black water as bacteria and pathogens begin to grow and proliferate.

Fact #3: Water Damage Restoration Should Be Done By Professionals

The immediate inclination of most property home owners is to begin the clean-up process themselves and if you do, please take precautions because micro-organisms enter the body through direct contact or by breathing in contaminants. For this reason, always wear protective clothing, rubber boots, gloves, eye, and respiratory protection.

In order to avoid long term health, structural, and mold concerns, we recommend the services of a professional restoration company that has the experience and training to restore your home to preloss condition.

Well trained professionals understand that not all water damage restoration projects are the same. When they are formulating their action plan also known as a scope of work, they will assess the hazard level of the water, but will also determine the extent of water damage to create a sensible plan of action.

There are four distinct classes of water damage:

• Class 1 Water Damage: The lowest and easiest to deal with, this has a slow evaporation rate. Only part of a room or area was affected, there is little or no wet carpet, and the moisture has only affected materials with a low permeance rate, such as plywood or concrete.
• Class 2 Water Damage: With a fast evaporation rate, this level affects an entire room, carpeting, or cushioning, the wetness has wicked up the walls at least 12”, and there is moisture remaining in structural materials.
• Class 3 Water Damage: This class has the fastest evaporation rate, and ceilings, walls, insulation, carpet and sub-floors are all saturated. The liquid may have come from overhead.
• Class 4 Water Damage: This class is labeled as a specialty drying situations, which means there has been enough liquid and time to saturate materials with very low permeance, such as hardwood, brick, or stone.

Other reasons you should hire a professional include the following:

• Trained professionals have specialized equipment to pump out excess water, commercial grade dehumidifiers and air movers.
• Experienced professionals have the knowledge to properly determine the class of water damage and category of water to put together a scope of work (ie. plan of action).
• Ability to assess structural issues caused by the water damage, which could have long term safety and property value consequences if not fixed properly.
• Advise you on what contents can be cleaned and what needs to be thrown out.
• Create a drying and monitoring strategy using air movers and dehumidifiers.
• Create a sanitizing plan to ensure a healthy living environment.

As a final note, in addition to using the services of a professional restoration company, we also recommend that you hire a third party environmental firm to perform post-remediation verification tests on the air quality to assess the mold spore count and sewage contamination tests if the flood water had category 3 water. These tests should be performed before any reconstruction occurs because it will provide you with verification that the water damage restoration was done properly. There is a cost to post-remediation verification, but it is well worth the investment for peace of mind that the work was done properly. Long term, this final step could save you thousands of dollars and future headaches because if any moisture or bacteria is present after the rebuild is complete, much of the reconstruction will eventually need to be torn down, particularly if there is mold.

Questions? We are here to help. Call us, 715-381-2266

What Is Water Mitigation In The Saint Croix Valley?

7/31/2018 (Permalink)

The simple answer is that, it is the prevention of further water damage by taking strict actions. Actions such as removal of unsalvageable contents and structures (dry wall, flooring, etc.), cleaning of the affected areas, application of disinfecting agents, deodorizing and drying the structure.

The actual water mitigation time of your property and valuables will be determined by the amount of the water damage endured. Our advanced equipment such as drying equipment and the use of testing equipment will ensure your property is being dried out. They will be removed only when the temperature, humidity and moisture testing confirm that the affected areas have been dried to approved standards. With that said, the equipment can be considered noisy and somewhat intrusive but, when you consider that every minute that the equipment is running is one more minute that you are closer to having the entire situation rectified, you will understand that it is a necessary process. Also, the timing of the process can be measured in 24 hour increments for insurance standards, not in minutes.

For the property that has been affected by mold spores it needs to be thoroughly cleaned, and any moisture must be removed completely from that area. This makes sure that the mold will not continue to grow further or return to the area to grow again.

WATER DAMAGE CAUSES AT HOME AND HOW TO DEAL WITH THEM

We all know we're surrounded by water. The ocean, lakes, rivers, ponds, and other natural water reserves. But we are also surrounded by human-made waterways - sewers, water mains and pipes, and gutters also fill up with water when it rains. All this water is great, but can also cause a lot of damage.

TYPES OF WATER DAMAGE CAUSES AT HOME

There are several types of water damage at home. Some can be prevented with simple maintenance, and some of them are just forces of nature doing their thing. Here are some of the water damages we helped people deal with over the years:

• Pipes leaks / bursts (or toilets) - Common reason for water damage at home. Pipes are usually hidden. Either in the floors, walls or just running on the outer walls of your home, they're far out of sight. If they start leaking it may take a few days (or even weeks) before you notice anything is wrong. These leaks create more damage as time goes by, so if you have any suspicion you've got a leaky pipe - call a plumber or water damage experts and have it checked.
• Broken appliances at home - some of our appliances are connected to water mains, use water, and when they break down - we are the ones who suffer. The usual suspects are dishwashers & washing machines, but refrigerators, freezers and aquariums can also be counted here. These causes usually cause less damage than pipe leaks, since they are usually visible almost instantly as they happen, and are not hidden in the walls. The most important thing to do when suffering such water damage is to extract the water as quickly as possible, before it gets absorbed in carpets or floors, and before the water damage becomes a health hazard and a mold growth bed which will be a lot harder (and way more expensive) to repair.
• Sump pump failure and toilet clogs - These are less common, but they do happen. When your sump pump fails in your basement, it creates an overflow of the toilets or sump basin in your basement, which is also harder to get rid of without professional equipment and water damage professionals.
• Sewage backup, or rising water from other water sources (seawater, lakes, rivers) - These reasons for water damage are in "Class 3" water damage, meaning the water contains lots of contaminants and unsanitary agents, causing a serious health hazard. These causes are usually accompanied by bad odors, and can cause discomfort and even sickness.
• Floods - these are really rare in most areas, and more common in some areas. Floods are considered as substantially large amounts of water reaching places they don't usually reach, such as places which are usually dry land like town centers, bridges and of course - your home. Floods are the hardest to deal with when it comes to water damage, because floods create a lot more damage to homes, and affect also access roads and facilities. Moreover, floods usually affect more than one home, and can flow over a whole town and even a city.

WATER DAMAGE AT HOME

Imagine you're at home. Sitting on your sofa, enjoying a good movie on the TV, having some popcorn, when you suddenly look up and see a discoloration on the ceiling. Nothing much, just some bubbles in the paint and a brownish stain of what looks like humidity. Nothing to really worry about, but where is it coming from?

You head up to the attic, only to realize your roof just gave in a little, and water is dripping in from your skylight. A drop every few seconds on days of constant rain can accumulate to large amounts of water that really have nowhere to go. So they get absorbed in your carpet or hardwood floors. And that's a problem. A big problem.

If you suffered from any type of water damage, it's important to remember 3 things:

1. Get your belongings far from water ASAP - the longer they are in water, the less chances you have of saving them.
2. Get the water extracted - water standing in your home is a bad idea for so many reasons. Get water extraction services and dry your property.
3. Make sure the water didn't go any deeper - have water damage experts visit your property, inspect it thoroughly and verify there is no hidden water or wetness that can evolve into something worse.

For many this can be one of the most frustration times of their lives. If nothing else know that there are people out there, like SERVPRO of The Saint Croix Valley, trained in getting you the help that you need to tackle these problems, backed with years of experience.

Why Hiring a Water Damage Restoration Company is the Best Option

7/16/2018 (Permalink)

Although it’s tempting to fix water damage yourself, it’s not a wise choice.  Here’s Why:

Safety & Health

If a massive flood flows through your home, two things happen. First, the structural integrity of your home is instantly compromised. Second, the water is filled with harmful bacteria, chemicals, and other toxic material that can affect your health or cause injury. If the water is still standing after several hours or days, there’s no way of knowing what’s in it. Water removal specialists have the skill and equipment necessary to remove the water safely without injury or exposure to whatever is in the water. There’s no need to put yourself or anyone else at risk when you can seek the aid of experienced water removal professionals.

Fast, Efficient Work

Water removal is a time-sensitive task that must be executed without delay. The condition of your home grows progressively worse in a short period once the flood strikes. The water must be removed before it permanently damages the internal structure. Plumbing and electrical systems must be inspected. The wood frame and flooring have to be treated, and everything must be dried fast.

This requires the experience of a certified, reputable water removal company that can complete the job in a fraction of the time it takes for a homeowner to do it. A response team can arrive on-site with all the tools and equipment necessary to go to work right away. They know the proper procedure for extracting the water and restoring the home. An entire team can complete the project within hours to save the property from further damage.

The Right Tools

While shop vacs, bathroom towels, Clorox, and open windows may seem like an effective method for flood cleanup, they neither treat the wood below the surface nor create an arid room that allows moisture to evaporate. In the end, the homeowner wastes time and energy only to get less than satisfactory results.

All equipment and tools used to remove water are specially designed to meet or exceed the highest industry standards when restoring a home after a flood. This includes the time it takes to complete the project. For example, air-moving machines can push 100 cubic feet of air around you home in just 60 seconds. By circulating the air, the machine speeds up evaporation time. An industrial grade dehumidifier does the same thing with water. It can extract 50+ gallons of water out of any building. Large-scale equipment likes the above mentioned can do the work of 10 people but at a faster rate.

Manpower

While this may not seem like a compelling reason to hire a professional water removal company, the alternative is, well, doing it yourself. Nothing is more encouraging, however than seeing an entire staff piling out of work vehicles for the purpose of saving your home. By working in teams, water removal companies have the capacity to take on the most challenging jobs and finish them in record time. If the 48-hour window presents a monumental challenge for a solo cleanup effort, additional help is the way to go if you want your house to survive that initial period before the onslaught mold, spores, and fungi take over your home.

Don’t Let Water & Storm Damage Sink Your Finances

7/9/2018 (Permalink)

Featured Article from IICRC Archives (www.IICRC.org)

In a Nutshell: Water damage can strike unexpectedly, causing costly damage to homes and businesses. Many people don’t face water damage in time, nor do they use proper equipment to get rid of the water or the subsequent mold that develops. The best course of action to ensure your family avoids health problems following water damage to your home is turning to an IICRC-certified professional. The Institute of Inspection, Cleaning, and Restoration Certification (IICRC) sets global standards and provides 27 certifications for people in the cleaning and restoration business. With a presence in more than 25 countries, the IICRC also provides consumers with educational resources on restoration — so they can repair water-related damage themselves — without breaking the bank, but also doing it the safest way possible.

Water damage from flooding and storms can wreak havoc on a family’s home and finances. The average cost of water removal alone is $2,700. Cleanup and restoration add thousands more to the bill, and a foot of flood damage repair can cost nearly $20,000. While the average water damage insurance claim is $7,500, uninsured people are looking at more staggering out-of-pocket costs.

So, people try to cut corners. One of the first mistakes they make is not facing the scope of the problem. When they procrastinate, the water damage can actually worsen, penetrating building materials, and ultimately also driving up the cost of restoration. When people do seek help, they don’t look for certified experts.

Instead, people should reach out to and rely on certified experts right away. The IICRC is an organization dedicated to setting industry standards — and training experts — in inspection, cleaning, and restoration of damaged properties. Its Clean Trust logo has become a symbol of confidence between certified technicians and customers.

For over 45 years, the organization has been helping people to train and certify experts to do the hands-on hard work that goes into cleaning up the mess left by water damage.

Jeff Bishop, a Director of IICRC, is a second-generation restoration expert. He sums up the genesis of the problem that the nonprofit IICRC helps resolve. “It happens frequently when there is wholesale flooding … people have hardly anywhere to turn but to rely on themselves, which can jeopardize the health and safety of their families,” Jeff said.

Although there are a few other organizations similar to IICRC, such as the Restoration Industry Association (RIA), IICRC sets the standard for the training and certification of experts.

“In the industry, there is no specific regulation that governs how restoration can be performed except ANSI/IICRC S500,” also known as the Standard and Reference Guide for Professional Water Damage Restoration, Jeff said.

Don't Let Water And Storm Damage Sink Your Finances

5/30/2018 (Permalink)

Featured Article from IICRC Archives (www.IICRC.org)

In a Nutshell: Water damage can strike unexpectedly, causing costly damage to homes and businesses. Many people don’t face water damage in time, nor do they use proper equipment to get rid of the water or the subsequent mold that develops. The best course of action to ensure your family avoids health problems following water damage to your home is turning to an IICRC-certified professional. The Institute of Inspection, Cleaning, and Restoration Certification (IICRC) sets global standards and provides 27 certifications for people in the cleaning and restoration business. With a presence in more than 25 countries, the IICRC also provides consumers with educational resources on restoration — so they can repair water-related damage themselves — without breaking the bank, but also doing it the safest way possible.

Water damage from flooding and storms can wreak havoc on a family’s home and finances. The average cost of water removal alone is $2,700. Cleanup and restoration add thousands more to the bill, and a foot of flood damage repair can cost nearly $20,000. While the average water damage insurance claim is $7,500, uninsured people are looking at more staggering out-of-pocket costs.

So, people try to cut corners. One of the first mistakes they make is not facing the scope of the problem. When they procrastinate, the water damage can actually worsen, penetrating building materials, and ultimately also driving up the cost of restoration. When people do seek help, they don’t look for certified experts.

Instead, people should reach out to and rely on certified experts right away. The IICRC is an organization dedicated to setting industry standards — and training experts — in inspection, cleaning, and restoration of damaged properties. Its Clean Trust logo has become a symbol of confidence between certified technicians and customers.

For over 45 years, the organization has been helping people to train and certify experts to do the hands-on hard work that goes into cleaning up the mess left by water damage.

Jeff Bishop, a Director of IICRC, is a second-generation restoration expert. He sums up the genesis of the problem that the nonprofit IICRC helps resolve. “It happens frequently when there is wholesale flooding … people have hardly anywhere to turn but to rely on themselves, which can jeopardize the health and safety of their families,” Jeff said.

Although there are a few other organizations similar to IICRC, such as the Restoration Industry Association (RIA), IICRC sets the standard for the training and certification of experts.

“In the industry, there is no specific regulation that governs how restoration can be performed except ANSI/IICRC S500,” also known as the Standard and Reference Guide for Professional Water Damage Restoration, Jeff said.

Sump Pumps In The Saint Croix Valley

5/30/2018 (Permalink)

Since we live in an area where homes typically have basements, it’s smart to have a sump pump in the lower spots in the basement. Most homeowners understand the benefits of having such a system in their basement, and that’s definitely the case when they’ve invested a lot of money refinishing their basement to turn it into livable space their family can enjoy. If you’re going to spend that much money on your home, it’s only smart to protect that investment by installing a relatively inexpensive (at least as it compares to the cost of a typical basement finishing project) water mitigation system. Some homes we’ve seen have the crock for the pump but no pump installed. Only when the basement flooded did the home owner become of aware of it. It is wise to check your home and if you don’t have a pump, install one. If you do have one, it is great to run it at least once a year to ensure proper operation. Like any mechanical system in your home, it’s not fail proof. In fact, all too often when they’re expected to perform to protect your home they fail and the consequences can be disastrous.

What do I do if my sump pump fails?

In most cases sump pumps fail during rain events. When that happens, the water usually seeps in through the foundation or basement walls and begins pooling in the lowest area of the basement, gradually rising as more water comes in. So what do you do at that point? Here are a couple of suggestions we have to help you navigate a difficult situation.

First, you’re going to need to get the sump pump fixed. A plumber is going to be necessary to get the sump pump back up and running. Immediately call a licensed plumber in your area and get on their schedule as quickly as possible. During rain events, it’s not unusual for many homes in the area to suffer the same fate as you, so plumbers will get booked up quickly. Act fast and call for their help!

Second, do the same with a certified water mitigation company. Many times it doesn’t make sense for a water mitigation company to come out immediately, because you’re paying them to pump out water as more water is coming in. It’s just an endless cycle that can cost you a lot of money without doing much in the way of saving your home. You may decide that’s worth the money to you, but in many cases it makes more sense to try and manage things temporarily while you wait for a plumber to fix your sump pump. That said, even if the plumber fixes your sump pump you’re still going to need a restoration company to come in and remove any excess moisture and dry out the affected areas.

Third, consider making a quick run up to your local hardware store to purchase a basement water pump. These pumps can operate continuously during the water event and suck up the water that is pooling and then transport it by hose into a bathtub or other drain. They can work in very little water and if the water stops it automatically shuts off so it doesn’t burn up. You can get a good water pump for under $100 which is a small price to pay for peace of mind and reduce damage to your basement.

If you have problems that you feel are larger than you can take care of, call the professionals at SERVPRO of The Saint Croix Valley – 715-386-2266

Have a Wet Basement? We can help!

5/22/2017 (Permalink)

SERVPRO of The Saint Croix Valley can extract water, place the equipment needed, and monitor the progress to complete the drying process.

Sump pump failures, groundwater seepage, sewage backups... If you have recently experienced flooding in your home, you are not alone. Our phones have been busy this past week with calls about wet basements. If you have water damage in your home or business and need some help, call SERVPRO of The Saint Croix Valley at 715-381-2266.

Our crews have been trained by the IICRC (Institute of Inspection, Cleaning, and Restoration Certification), and have experience drying out structures. We can extract water, place the equipment needed, and monitor the progress to complete the drying process.  We would be happy to help ease your worries and ensure that your home or business has been dried out properly so that you do not have to worry about future damage. We are locally owned and operated in the Saint Croix Valley.

Saint Croix Valley 24 Hour Emergency Water Damage Service

8/31/2016 (Permalink)

SERVPRO of The Saint Croix Valley provides 24 hour fire and water damage restoration service in Pierce and Saint Croix County, Wisconsin.

SERVPRO of The Saint Croix Valley is available 24 hours a day for water emergencies, large or small. When you are dealing with water damage, immediate action is crucial. A delay of just a few hours can greatly increase the severity of the water damage.

We Answer the Phone Ready to Help
Call Today - 715-381-2266

We understand that when you call us, you may be feeling confused, stressed, and vulnerable. You need an expert to guide you through this crisis. SERVPRO of the Saint Croix Valley has the specific water damage training and experience to help you through this tough time. We specialize in water damage restoration—in fact, it's the cornerstone of our business.

What to Expect

When you call, we will ask several questions regarding your water damage emergency. These questions will help us determine what equipment and resources to bring, including how many trained SERVPRO Professionals may be needed.

Our SERVPRO Representative will ask several questions:

• Your name and contact information
• Your insurance information (if applicable)
• The street address of the water-damaged home or business
• When did the flooding or water damage occur?
• What caused the water damage (if known)?
• Is there electricity available (on-site)?

About SERVPRO of The Saint Croix Valley

SERVPRO of The Saint Croix Valley specializes in the cleanup and restoration of residential and commercial property after a fire, smoke or water damage event. Our staff is highly trained in property damage restoration. From initial and ongoing training at SERVPRO’s corporate training facility to regular IICRC-industry certification, rest assured our staff is equipped with the knowledge to restore your property.